(Supplied/RDP)

By rdnewsNOW Staff

FEB. 1-28

RDP honouring Black History Month with multiple panels and events

Jan 31, 2025 | 3:52 PM

February marks Black History Month, and Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) welcomes students, faculty, staff and the community to participate in a variety of its on-campus events taking place over the next 28 days.

Throughout the month, the RDP community will endeavour to honour the contributions, achievements and lived experiences of Black community members, including students, faculty and staff.

“At Red Deer Polytechnic, we are committed to continue fostering an equitable, inclusive and respectful environment that values all students, employees and guests,” says Rambo Nyirimihigo, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Advisor, RDP. “By offering a variety of culturally immersive opportunities at RDP, members of our campus community are able to expand their perspectives and engage in meaningful conversation about a variety of topics.”

The month will kick-off with a flag raising ceremony outside RDP’s main entrance on Feb. 3 at 10:45 a.m.

Other initiatives and events include:

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• Book and Fabric Display | February 3-14 | RDP Library
• Anti-Racism Workshop | Wednesday, February 5 | 12-3 p.m. | The Loft
• Panel of Black Thought Makers – leading a discussion centered around Black resistance | Monday, February 10 | 1-2 p.m. | Global Hub
• Black Art Display | February 10-28 | 1500 Wing on RDP’s main campus
• Traditional Beef Patty Lunch | Thursday, February 13 | 11 a.m. | Outside FarSide Bar & Grill (while supplies last)
• Keynote Speaker – Dieulita Datus, Program Manager, Care for Newcomers and Co-Founder, Ubuntu – Mobilizing Central Alberta | Wednesday, February 26 | 12:30-2 p.m. | Global Hub
• Afro-Caribbean Night | Wednesday, March 5 | 4-7 p.m. | FarSide Bar & Grill

“This month is an important opportunity for us to reflect on the incredible contributions, achievements, and legacies of Black individuals, while also recognizing their lived experiences and ongoing struggle for justice and equality,” says Jacq Patterson, president of the Students’ Association of RDP. “The Students’ Association is committed to supporting Black voices, advocating for equity and continuing to work toward a future where every student has the opportunity to thrive on our campus.”

In November 2024, RDP launched a five-year Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy: Connection, Empowerment, Bravery, which outlines the institution’s commitment to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and has equal opportunities.

In consultation with RDP’s leadership team, campus groups and employees, 30 members of the EDI Student and Employee Advisory Committee will contribute to implementing DEI principles and strategies that create meaningful impact within the RDP community, officials say.

For more information about Black History Month at RDP, visit the school’s website.

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