For Black students at the University of Calgary, February marks Black History Month. Thus, in observance of the contributions, achievements and lived experiences of Black Canadians, the Faculty of Arts will be celebrating Black History Month with a series of virtual events. For the purpose of this article I want to highlight a specific event: Black History Month – Let’s Talk: Black Excellence Panel Discussion.
For Faculty of Arts representative Fayo Abi and Equity and Diversity Committee Support student Ebenezer Belayneh, this Black Excellence Panel was an opportunity for the student population at the University of Calgary to “see themselves represented in positions of power, whether that may be in the healthcare sector, non-profit sector, the business or corporate sector,” Belayneh states. The Black Excellence panel gives a platform to Black trailblazers across the country to inspire Black excellence.