To help celebrate Black History Month this February, we asked members of the UWinnipeg community what Black History Month means to them. Find out what they had to say, plus their book recommendations, below.
Precious Gauthier
Precious Gauthier – UW Student, Master of Arts in Cultural Studies (BSC/BA 24)
Black History Month, to me, means celebration because it is a time when the achievements and contributions of Black people are celebrated. This is important because the history of Black Canadians is often underrepresented, lost, or forgotten.
There are many books that I would love to suggest, but one that I think is important is The Hanging Of Angelique: The Untold Story of Canadian Slavery and the Burning of Old Montreal by Dr. Afua Cooper because it shows realities of Canadian history that Canadians are not commonly exposed to.
Modeste Katotoka – UW Student, Bachelor of Science, major in Medical Physics Honours
Black History Month is a time to reflect on and celebrate the stories of resilient, courageous, determined, and powerful Black men and women, both young and old, who have played a significant role in transforming lives and bringing hope to our communities.
Individuals like Patrice Lumumba, a former Prime Minister of the Congo; Dr. Ben Carson, a retired neurosurgeon whose work in separating conjoined twins inspired me to pursue a career in science; and Dr. Sylvester Gates Jr., a theoretical physicist I met two years ago at a lecture at The University of Winnipeg, have made important contributions to our communities and paved the way for a new generation of talented students through their mentorship.
One significant event that stands out is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s courageous March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963, which serves as a powerful reminder that racism and violence have no place in our society. As a Black student in my final year of physics, these stories and interactions with successful individuals have encouraged me to work hard and contribute to the world through research.
I recommend the book Gifted Hands by Dr. Ben Carson, which I read a few years ago. It is an inspiring read for young students aspiring to make a change in the world. The book encourages students to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams with passion and determination, even in adversity.
