What Black History Means to Us

Join us for an evening of conversation, connection, and community in recognition of Black History Month. This event will bring together students, alumni, and community members for a meaningful discussion highlighting Black experiences, leadership, and excellence. The evening will feature a moderated panel discussion with Black leaders and changemakers, followed by time for reflection, dialogue, and networking.

This collaborative event is proudly brought to you by the:

• York University Black Alumni Network (YUBAN)
• York University Black Staff Network (YUBSN), 
• Black Excellence at York University (BE YU) initiative
• Student Community & Leadership Development (SCLD)
• York University-TD Community Engagement Centre 
• Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community & Diaspora

With support from:

• Center for Research on Latin America & the Caribbean (CERLAC)
• The Office of the President
• Division of Students
• The School of Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD)

For more information, contact YUBAN at yorkublackalumninetwork@gmail.com 

Event Details:

Date: Tuesday, Feb. 24
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Venue: CIBC Lobby, Accolade East Building, Keele Campus, York University
Dress code: Semi-formal

Agenda:
5:30 PM – 6:00 PM: Welcome & Registration
6:00 PM – 6:15 PM: Opening Remarks
6:15 PM – 6:30 PM: Performance
6:30 PM – 7:15 PM: Panel Discussion
7:15 PM – 7:30 PM: Q & A session
7:30 PM – 7:45 PM: Closing Remarks
7:45 PM – 8:30 PM: Networking and Light Refreshments
__________________________________________

Panel Discussion: “What Black History Means to Us” 

A conversation on how Black history is understood across generations and intersecting identities at York—students, staff, alumni and faculty—and how the reclamation of our stories informs our collective vision for the future. 

Stephanie Fearon, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Education

Stephanie Fearon joins York University’s Faculty of Education as the inaugural assistant professor of Black thriving and education. Her research draws on Black storytelling traditions to explore the ways that Black mothers and educational institutions partner to support Black student well-being. Fearon uses literary and visual arts to communicate – in a structured, creative and accessible form – insights gleaned from stories shared by Black mothers and their families. Her publications have appeared in several scholarly journals, including Canadian Journal for the Study of Adult Education, Canadian Review of Sociology/Revue canadienne de sociologie, and Journal of African American Women and Girls in Education. 

Rosemary Sadlier (BA ‘75)

Rosemary Sadlier is a renowned diversity, inclusion, and equity consultant, social justice advocate, researcher, writer, and international speaker specializing in Black History, anti-racism, and women’s issues. With a remarkable 22-year tenure as President of the Ontario Black History Society, she spearheaded the establishment of February as Black History Month nationwide and secured the recognition of August 1st as Emancipation Day. Sadlier played a pivotal role in the creation of the national day for the Hon. Lincoln Alexander and has provided expert input to various organizations, including the UN Rapporteur on Race Relations, the Ministry of Education, the Royal Ontario Museum, the Canadian Museum of Human Rights, Historica and the Bi-National Study of the Underground Railroad.  As an educator, she has contributed to African Canadian curriculum development, national exhibits, and publications, authoring seven books on African Canadian history. Committed to social justice, Sadlier uses the lens of Black History to educate and empower others. 

Craig Wellington (BA ‘88)

Craig Wellington is  CEO for Black Opportunity Fund, a community-led charity that promotes socio-economic empowerment for Canada’s Black communities. At BOF he is currently helping lead transformative initiatives in the areas of health, justice, education, homeownership and entrepreneurship. Wellington has helped lead the development of BOF’s affiliated investment entity, BOF Capital, which has launched a $100 million Growth Fund to invest in Black-led businesses, and a $50 million Housing Fund to create opportunities for home ownership for Black Canadians.  Wellington has also held leadership positions in not-for-profit organizations for more than 30 years, and is an accomplished EDI consultant, who has helped organizations in Canada and the U.S. transform their culture. Craig is a 2025 recipient of a King Charles III Coronation Award and was named to the 2023 list of Top 100 Canadian Professionals.