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The Cookout: Inviting Black leaders into politics
Note: I would like to recognize that the term “womxn” is used in recognition of Black leaders at the event who identify as non-gender conforming or non-binary. As noted by the Black Voters Matter executive team, they were asked to utilize the term by their guest. As such, the term will be kept for the title and throughout the article per their request.
It is rare to have seen Black people on the political stage, let alone Black womxn in leadership positions within the political sphere. However, in recent years, Black and multiracial womxn have become increasingly involved in politics.
The University of Calgary has partnered with United Way Calgary to provide the UCeed program, a social impact fund for Canadians, which closed its applications on April 30. Activated by Innovate Calgary, who is dedicated to bridging the gap between discovery and innovation within the University of Calgary, this social fund will expand the ability for individuals and groups to create social impacts within their community.
United Way is an organization that, “is focused on creating positive change in the areas of poverty, kids and strong communities by investing in social programs and special initiatives,” as stated on the UCalgary website.
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.