February is Black History Month and at Durham College (DC) we’re joining Canadians from coast-to-coast in honouring the legacy, achievements, and contributions of Black individuals and communities across the country.

We are proud to celebrate the excellence, resilience, and innovation of the Black community and we want to shine a spotlight on DC’s incredible students, employees and alumni through the Black Excellence & Achievement Content Collection. These stories highlight the contributions and accomplishments of incredible people who are shaping and strengthening our community.

Throughout February, and in support of the theme Pathways to Excellence: Celebrating and Cultivating Black Brilliance at DC, the college’s Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion is hosting a series of community consultations to better understand the challenges faced by Black community members and to ensure their voices and perspectives inform DC’s decision-making processes.

“Black History Month offers an important opportunity for our Black students and employees to tell us what they need to nurture their brilliance, and facilitate their flourishing,” said Sadie Goddard-Durant, Director, Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. “Through these consultations, DC can enhance existing efforts to maximize the contributions our Black communities have been making to DC, Durham Region and beyond, and to document how they contribute to our future tapestry.”

DC has raised the Pan-African Flag at the Oshawa and Whitby campuses—a powerful symbol of Black liberation and solidarity for members of the Black/African diaspora.

“As we celebrate Black History Month, let us also take a moment to reflect on how we, as individuals, can contribute to building a community rooted in equity, respect, and inclusion,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, DC President. “By embracing these values, we not only honour the history being recognized this month but also uphold the principles that strengthen us as a college and as a society.”

As a college, we are uniquely positioned to address issues of equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as we prepare our students to become leaders and contributing members of our community, said Dr. Popp. “This commitment calls on us to model equity and inclusion at every level of the institution—from leadership to classrooms and beyond. Together, we all have a role in fostering an equitable and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.”