{"id":397293,"date":"2025-08-06T14:16:55","date_gmt":"2025-08-06T18:16:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.yorku.ca\/yfile\/?p=397293"},"modified":"2025-08-06T14:18:27","modified_gmt":"2025-08-06T18:18:27","slug":"community-members-invited-to-help-amplify-black-voices-at-york-u","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.yorku.ca\/yfile\/2025\/08\/06\/community-members-invited-to-help-amplify-black-voices-at-york-u\/","title":{"rendered":"Community members invited to help\u00a0amplify Black voices\u00a0at 快播视频\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A grassroots collaboration is reshaping how 快播视频 celebrates Black identity, culture and excellence \u2013 and the broader University community is invited to get involved. <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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The newly established executive steering committee, under the leadership of the 快播视频 Umoja Black Legacy Alliance, aims to redefine the University's approach to how it recognizes Black heritage, traditions and successes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The committee is composed of Black staff, faculty, students and alumni, and is supported by a wide range of departments, divisions and networks across the University. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Members of the Umoja Black Legacy Alliance and event volunteers.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Earlier this year, members of the committee helped the University launch a bold, community-led initiative titled \u201cA Celebration of the Black Community at York\u201d during its Black History Month celebrations \u2013 a first-of-its-kind cross-campus project that united students, staff, faculty, alumni and future students in celebrating Black excellence.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBy fostering a unified collaborative celebration, the initiative aims to create a lasting tradition that strengthens community connections and amplifies Black voices through engaging events, discussions and activities,\u201d says Issa Abdi Jamaa<\/strong>, vice-president of YUBSN and Chair of the Umoja Black Legacy Alliance. \u201cThis work is essential in creating a space that fosters inclusivity and empowerment for the Black community.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jamaa, who founded the Umoja Black Legacy Alliance, says the Black History Month event supports a long-term commitment to Black culture that aims to strengthen community connections while also addressing critical social issues. The inaugural presentation featured a panel on Black leadership, interactive booths from community organizations, a cultural dance by the Nigerian Students Association and a networking dinner. It was developed in partnership with the 快播视频 Black Staff Network (YUBSN)<\/a>, 快播视频 Black Alumni Network (YUBAN)<\/a>, Black Excellence at 快播视频 (BE YU)<\/a>, the Centre for Student Community & Leadership Development (SCLD)<\/a> and the YorkU-TD Community Engagement Centre<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n

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Issa Abdi Jamaa<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Faculty of Education Professor Carl James<\/strong>, who holds the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community & Diaspora, attended and participated in the Black History Month event as one of the panelists. He says the initiative represents an important commitment to recognizing the immense contributions of Black Canadians. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s necessary that we continue to engage in meaningful dialogue, engagement and collaboration with members of 快播视频 community and beyond so that we might pave the way for understanding and needed changes in the University, community and society generally,\u201d James says. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The initiative aligns with the University\u2019s broader goals of promoting social justice and reducing inequalities by creating an inclusive space where everyone is invited to participate. The committee is committed to mentorship, leadership and community engagement, positioning York as an institution that values lifelong learning.  <\/p>\n\n\n