2025 Black History Month Gala by the University of Alberta Black Students’ Association

The Cause

The University of Alberta Black Students' Association (UABSA) is a student-led organization dedicated to celebrating and uplifting the Black community. Our mission is to advocate for Black excellence, provide support, and create spaces for Black students and community members to thrive. We are committed to fostering a sense of belonging, awareness, and representation for Black individuals within Edmonton and Alberta. Over the past years, our events have drawn over 3,000 attendees, demonstrating our strong track record and the community's eagerness to engage with our initiatives.

We are proposing a multi-event Black History Month (BHM) series, including a Gala, Market, and Art Series, aimed at celebrating Albertan Black excellence and honoring Black history. This series provides a platform for Black entrepreneurs, artists, and community members to showcase their talents and trades, while inviting the broader community to support and engage with Alberta's Black population.

The BHM Gala will serve as the main event, featuring live performances by Black musicians, dancers, and poets, a panel discussion, and a cultural feast highlighting foods from Albertan African and Caribbean communities. The event will celebrate the rich history of Black people while also highlighting current achievements, strengthening community pride and connection.

The Market will spotlight Black-owned businesses, providing entrepreneurs a chance to promote and sell their products. Vendors will offer diverse goods, from food and clothing to art and handmade crafts. This not only directly supports Black businesses but also fosters lasting relationships between these entrepreneurs and the wider community, encouraging continued support beyond the event.

The Art Series will showcase works by Black visual artists from across Alberta, sparking dialogue around themes like identity, history, and resilience. It will give artists a chance to gain exposure and share their narratives, enriching the cultural landscape of Alberta.

In summary, our BHM Gala, Market, and Art Series will be a celebration of Black heritage, excellence, and unity, offering a unique opportunity for engagement and support within the Edmonton and Alberta communities.

Who Will it Benefit?

The event will directly benefit the University of Alberta community, with a specific focus on youth. It will provide them with invaluable networking opportunities and exposure, offering a platform for their talents, businesses, and artistic expressions to be seen and appreciated.
The broader Edmonton community will also greatly benefit from the event by participating in cultural activities that highlight Black history, resilience, and contributions. This serves to enhance cultural awareness and foster a sense of inclusion and understanding within the city. Attendees from various backgrounds will have the opportunity to learn about Black history in ways that may be unfamiliar to them, which can deepen their appreciation for the contributions of the Black community in Alberta. Through these cultural exchanges, the event promotes dialogue, reduces stereotypes, and encourages unity by bringing together people of different races and ethnicities to celebrate Black excellence.
Our gala, which typically hosts over 300 attendees, brings together individuals from different sectors—students, professionals, and community leaders—creating a space for networking and relationship-building. The event promotes dialogue, collaboration, and understanding across different groups, contributing to a stronger sense of community within Edmonton.
The Art Series and Market provide further opportunities for community members to engage with Black culture in meaningful ways. Through these events, the University of Alberta and Edmonton communities will gain not only an appreciation for Black excellence but also a commitment to fostering a more inclusive and diverse environment.