Seneca Polytechnic will be celebrating Black History Month to commemorate the legacy, contributions, resiliency and futures of Black communities. This month highlights the importance of building just and equitable futures for Black communities, where Black joy and life are celebrated. There are various events scheduled across our campuses to honour our Black students, faculty and staff throughout February. This is an opportunity to discuss our responsibilities to address anti-Black racism in February and beyond.
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 12
Time: 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Location: The Great Hall, Room A1531, Building A, Newnham Campus or live stream
Join us for a special gathering on Black food justice and food sovereignty. Hear Zakiya Tafari, Executive Director Afri-Can FoodBasket, discuss access to nutritious and cultural staples and learn about how they are shaping a progressive food movement. Take part in a cooking demonstration featuring chefs Nicole King and Taswrell Salmon to try tasty cultural foods and ideate ways to deepen connections with ancestral diets.
All are welcome to attend. Email the Office for Reconciliation and Inclusion for accessibility needs.
Register to attend the event by Monday, Feb. 10.
Zakiya Tafari’s journey exemplifies dedication and visionary leadership in championing food justice and sovereignty within Toronto’s African, Caribbean and Black communities. Deeply invested in the mission of the Afri-Can FoodBasket, Zakiya has helped lead a progressive food movement that underscores the importance of cultural diets, sustainable urban agriculture and collaborative efforts to advance health, wellness and social enterprise.
Nicole King is a proud member of the Seneca community, serving as a co-ordinator at the Seneca@York Test Centre for the past three years. Outside of her role at Seneca, Nicole is the founder of MsKingsKitchen, a platform that celebrates Jamaican and Caribbean culture through food. She hosts events like a Sunday dinner series, bringing people together for an authentic cultural and culinary experience. Nicole is also passionate about educating others on the history and significance of Jamaican cuisine, inspiring connection and community through her work.
Taswrell Salmon’s culinary journey is inspired by his late great-grandmother, who taught him Jamaican cooking and the powerful connection between culture, history and flavour. With more than a decade of experience, he has worked in Michelin-starred restaurants and launched several successful culinary ventures. His collaborations with renowned chefs have broadened his skills and deepened his respect for diverse styles. Taswrell’s expertise in both modern and classic techniques focuses on flavour, artistry and presentation. Beyond his work in the kitchen, Taswrell’s mentorship and guidance have helped shape the careers of many aspiring chefs. His legacy is not just in the food he creates, but in the confidence, respect and patience he shares with those around him. He continues to innovate in the culinary world, pushing the boundaries of flavour while maintaining high standards of excellence.
Join SSF to commemorate Black History Month across all campuses! Be immersed in empowering discussions and vibrant cultural activities to honour the history and amplify the voices of Black communities.
Date: Wednesday, Feb. 5, 12 and 19
Time: 2 to 5 p.m.
Location: Room D2014, Building D, Newnham Campus
Celebrate Black History Month with Black Students United, a welcoming space for Black students to connect, share experiences and build community. Events will include a film screening, self-love letter writing and arts-based expression.
This weekly drop-in is for Black students.
Date: Monday, Feb. 24
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Online
Join us for a roundtable focused on prioritizing healing and well-being for Black faculty and staff across post-secondary institutions. Through facilitated discussions and reflective exercises, this community lab creates a supportive space to explore pathways to restoration, build capacity for navigating difficult spaces and connect with peers in a spirit of care and mutual understanding. Together, we’ll focus on centering ourselves and fostering practices that sustain both personal and collective wellness. This is a public event open to all Seneca employees, with closed breakout discussions for Black employees.
Register to attend the event.
Stop by the cafeteria at King, Newnham and Seneca@York campuses from Monday, Feb. 3 to Friday, Feb. 21 to celebrate African culture across the diaspora through cuisine. Seneca Dining Services is offering a weekly rotating menu, specially designed by chef Taswrell Salmon, for purchase. All proceeds from the purchases will go toward the Seneca Association of Black Educators (SABE) scholarship.
Explore the achievements, contributions, and experiences of Black Canadians with this curated selection of eBooks, streaming videos, journal articles and websites from Seneca Libraries. These resources provide insights into the rich history and cultural heritage of Black Canadians, highlighting their impact on society both past and present.
We're #SenecaProud of the employees who are part of the Black Employee Excellence (BEE) group and dedicated to raising awareness of issues experienced by the Black community year-round. The BEE administration team includes:
Charles Ahanonu, Manager, Application Engagement and Conversion
Natasha Binns, Director, Events & Special Projects
Nicole King, Senior Test Centre Officer, Test Centre
Raymond Peart, Professor, School of Arts & Sciences
Rema Tavares, Manager, Reconciliation and Employee Inclusion
Glenna Thomas, Student Life Co-ordinator, Student Experience & Engagement
Contact ri@senecapolytechnic.ca to join BEE (for employees).
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