Celebrate Black History Month with 9 Concordians

To mark Black History Month, nine standout Concordians share their wisdom through a series of short video messages collected in our playlist above. New videos will be released through the month of February. 

The Concordia community is actively working to create a more equitable and inclusive experience for Black students, faculty and staff through the President’s Task Force on Anti-Black Racism, the Black Perspectives Office and the Equity Office.

Meet the Concordians featured in our video:

Alumni

Omari Akil Newton, BA 06, is an award-winning actor, writer, director, producer and senior instructor at the Vancouver Film School. His critically acclaimed Hip Hop theatre piece Sal Capone was presented at Canada’s National Arts Centre. WATCH >

Chanel Sutherland, BA 10, is the 2021 CBC Nonfiction Prize Winner for her story “Umbrella.” Born in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, she is currently writing her first book, a collection of short stories that explore the Caribbean immigrant experience. WATCH >

Esther Calixte-Bea, BFA 20, is a painter and body hair activist. Her work addresses beauty, identity, individuality and vulnerability, often inspired by her personal life and culture. Her work has been featured in Canadian Art magazine, Glamour UK and TVA Nouvelles. WATCH > 

Sarah Mazhero, BA 21, who grew up in Nunavut, is one of 10 new appointees to the Prime Minister’s Youth Council, a non-partisan body that advises the federal government. As a student, she was heavily involved with the Concordia Student Union. WATCH >

Will Niava, BFA 17, is an award-winning director based in Montreal. His 2021 short film ZOO was inspired by his own experiences with racism and police violence both in Canada and in his home country of Ghana. WATCH > 

Sitsofe Kudjoe Dorvlo, MASc 08, is an IT professional who recently launched the Montreal chapter of Black Boys Code. The non-profit organization helps young black boys strengthen their understanding of STEM subjects, encouraging them to explore careers in tech. WATCH >

Annick Maugile Flavien, BSc 13, GrDip 15, MA 18, is the founding coordinator and manager of Concordia’s Black Perspectives Office and a member of the President's Task Force on Anti-Black Racism. A Black community advocate, scholar and multi-disciplinary maker, she is currently pursuing her PhD at Concordia. WATCH >

Allison Saunders is a digital content expert and webmaster at Concordia’s University Communications Services. She was elected a commissioner for the Lester B. Pearson School Board in Montreal’s West Island in September 2021. WATCH >

Angélique Willkie, an associate professor in Concordia’s Department of Contemporary Dance, was named special advisor to the provost on Black integration and knowledges in summer 2021. She chairs the President’s Task Force on Anti-Black Racism. WATCH >