RDP community members celebrate a Black History Month flag raising on Feb. 3, 2025. (rdnewsNOW/Ashley Lavallee-Koenig)

By Ashley Lavallee-Koenig

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY

RDP kicks off Black History Month events with flag raising ceremony

Feb 3, 2025 | 12:40 PM

Dozens of staff, students and community members gathered in the Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) main campus for a flag raising ceremony to recognize Black History Month on Feb. 3.

Due to inclement weather, the presentation was held inside, though the flag was already waving proudly when attendees arrived.

“As a Black person who lives in central Alberta, it makes me feel included,” reflected Nikeisha Sewell Lewis, RDP operations manager of people and culture, on the ceremony. “To me, it’s RDP recognizing the importance of celebrating Black History Month and it’s another reminder that we’re not there yet; we haven’t reached the inclusive society we want to get to.”

Lewis said that RDP supports its Black students throughout the entire year, not just during Black History Month.

“I was a Black student here at RDP, and one of the things they do is they provide an inclusive space for learning no matter who you are, no matter where you come from,” she said. “I think RDP is taking the steps necessary to ensure that every student succeeds, and also taking the time to recognize things like Black History Month; to recognize things like Truth and Reconciliation; to say, ‘We see you, you belong, and we want to hear your voice,’ so they’re moving in the right direction.”

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The flag raising event kicks off a month of activities happening across campus, including:

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

For more information, visit the RDP website.

by Ashley Lavallee-Koenig

RDP kicks off Black History Month events with flag raising ceremony

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