Black History Month in SPH

This year, USask has collaborated with the Pan-African Students’ Association to explore the theme “Radiant Roots: Honouring our Heritage.” 

Black History month message from the SPH Executive Director Dr. George Mutwiri

February 1, 2025, marks the 1^st day of Black history month (BHM), a time when we celebrate the contributions of all black people and also a time to recognize their struggles and sacrifices. This is a celebration for all of us, not just for black people.

In the School of Public Health, we have students, staff and faculty from all over the world and we take pride in this diversity as it’s one of our strengths. People who identify as black are well represented in the school’s community. While we celebrate BHM, we are reminded of the racial inequities that exists in our society today. From a public health perspective, racial and ethnic disparities in health have been known for long, and became more readily apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, in some parts of north America, black people (as well as other racialized groups) suffer poorer health outcomes compared to the rest of the population. This conflicts with a very fundamental principle of public health: “to improve the health and wellbeing of all, regardless of their race or ethnicity”. This principle presents a timely challenge for all of us in public health. Let us strive to work and live by the principle of equity for all in our society. It is the right thing to do.

2025 is the 4^th year in a row that the USask has organized a coordinated BHM celebration. A list of USask events scheduled for this year’s celebration can be found on the BHM website HERE. You can also read a thoughtful BHM message from USask President (Peter) Stoicheff HERE. Look out for updates on SPH-specific events on this page.