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1969 SIR GEORGE WILLIAMS UNIVERSITY STUDENT PROTEST

January 29 – February 11, 1969

Computer cards falling from the Hall Building’s ninth floor windows Source: Concordia University Records Management and Archives

The Henry F. Hall Building is the site of Canada’s largest student protest against anti-Black racism.

A pivotal moment in time

In 1969, Sir George Williams University students occupied the ninth floor computer lab to protest how complaints of racism made by Black and Caribbean students had been mishandled and allegations dismissed.

On February 11, after negotiations failed, university leaders called the police which resulted in the arrest of 97 students and long-lasting psychological, physical and social repercussions. 

The events caused irreparable harm to Black and Caribbean students, their communities and supporters.

The student protest served as a pivotal moment in Black activism that raised worldwide awareness of Black identity in Canada, institutional and unacknowledged racism.

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If you have any questions or comments, please contact ptfabr@concordia.ca

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