UBCO African Caribbean Student Club celebrates Black History Month virtually

Photo: Facebook/UBCO African Caribbean Student Club

ACSC Gala 2019/2020

Despite events being held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, UBC Okanagan’s African Caribbean Student Club (ACSC) is doing lots for Black History Month.

ACSC is a student-led organization with approximately 200 members and each February, the students celebrate and share their cultures.

“The ACSC strives to highlight Black excellence on campus through everything we do. It encourages the celebration of traditions both from Africa and the Caribbean, and gives a platform for these cultures to be celebrated. For a lot of us, it reminds us of home,” says club president Jane Udochi.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has posed challenges for the ACSC, Udochi says members were still able to find ways to celebrate the month, with a focus on “Black joy.”

“2020 had a lot of discouraging factors, especially for the Black community with George Floyd and no one really wanted to participate because no one wanted to revisit or relive old traumas. A lot of 2020 was figuring out how to navigate all of those emotions. Heading into 2021, I think we established a proper basis in terms of engagement and figuring out which events would appeal to people,” she explains.

“It’s always been about Black strength or Black struggle and how we rise up from that, which is a great message, but I think the narrative should be about spreading black joy and black luxury and how we do that and express that.”

Udochi says with the celebrations going virtual this year, it's easier for the ACSC to share the experience with anyone whose interested.

UBCO’s Equity Inclusion Office (EIO), the Provost Office, International Programs and Services, Campus Health and Okanagan Lifestyle have teamed up with the group to organize multiple virtual events, including Black Care Baskets. The baskets contain self-care products, information, recipes and ingredients which highlight the Black community’s persistent resilience, joy and cultures. To learn more, contact [email protected].

Other highlights of this month include days dedicated to promoting Black-owned businesses in the Okanagan, celebrating the ways Black people express themselves, hairstyles, performances, guest speakers, Black LGBTQ+ Week and more. Each week is a new theme featuring events, prizes, contests and giveaways. All virtual events are open to the public.

Click here for a full list of UBC Okanagan Black History Month events.