Students, staff, and community members at UCC gathered on February 27 for an inspiring Black History Month panel discussion, themed “Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations.” Organized by UCC’s Black Grad Coach, Akinyemi Pelumi, the event was a powerful celebration of Black excellence, featuring compelling stories and insights from both local and international voices.
The panel included Akinbinu Oluwatosin, Executive Director of Black Kids in Action; Kyle Wright, a Chatham-Kent police officer; Michelle Robbins, Curator of the Buxton National Historical Site and Museum; Liz Taylor, a social worker with St. Clair Catholic; and Jason Sole, abolitionist, international speaker, and criminal justice professor at Hamline University. Their diverse perspectives and lived experiences resonated deeply with attendees, leaving a lasting impact.
“They were amazing—such a wealth of knowledge. That’s generations of wisdom right there,” said Sole. “It serves as a guide. When I was younger, I didn’t always know where I was headed. But some of this information can ground you, and that’s exactly what some of these young folks need. Sometimes you hear a message, and it clicks—makes you want to straighten up before you end up somewhere you don’t want to be.”
The event began with a captivating African drum performance by Akin, setting the tone for an evening filled with storytelling and reflection. From the rhythmic opening to the thought-provoking student-led Q&A, the evening highlighted the power of storytelling and intergenerational learning.
“This was truly a transformative event once again this year,” said Scott Johnson, Director of Education. “You could feel the impact in the room—from the powerful drum ceremony to the final question. Events like this don’t just deepen understanding, they create real connections and inspire our students to step up as leaders in their communities.” St. Clair Catholic remains committed to honouring Black history beyond February, continuing to create opportunities for dialogue, learning, and unity throughout the year
