Harambec is proud to announce the launch of “Flame Keeping! Unearthing, Preserving, and Ensuring the Legacy of Montreal’s Black Women’s Groups”, a commemorative series of events to mark the 40th Anniversary of the first university accredited course in Black Women’s Studies in Canada.
This groundbreaking course, “Black Women: The Missing Pages from Canadian Women’s Studies”, was pioneered by Dr. Esmeralda M.A. Thornhill, at Concordia University’s Simone de Beauvoir Institute.
“Flame Keeping” consists of a series of commemorative events inaugurated by a public exhibition curated by archivist Samia Dumais and displayed at Concordia’s Webster Library from October 17 to December 20, 2023. “Historical documents”, some from the private collection of Dr. Esmeralda M.A. Thornhill, shed light on the often obscured evidence of Black Women’s key contributions to Montreal, Quebec, and Canada’s society.
Two public participatory events will complement this exhibition:
A panel, “Honoring the Legacy of Black Women’s Groups in Montreal”
Date: Tuesday, October 17, 2023
Time: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Location: 4th SPACE Concordia
Hosted by Maguy Métellus the panel will feature Kamari Clarke, Brenda Paris, Marlène Rateau, and Marjorie VilleFranche. Join us for this unique opportunity to learn from eminent women who have placed the well-being of their families and communities at the heart of their actions, and in doing so, have fought against systemic racism and transformed the sociopolitical landscapes of our city, province, and country. Registration link
And a round table,
“Systemic Racism in Quebec Schools: The Fight Continues!”:
Date: Wednesday, October 18, 2023
Time: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: Afromusée
A round table moderated by Adama Kaba with the participation of professors Lerona Dana Lewis and Tya Collins, as well as Sexual and Reproductive Health Advocate and mother of 5, Ariane K. Métellus.
Join us for a conversation about equal opportunities, access to quality education, creating an anti-racist learning environment, solidarity among parents, and the evolution of barriers and resources in the context of fighting racism in schools. Registration link
The commemorative events will culminate with an award ceremony on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, from 6 PM to 8 PM at Concordia University’s Conference Centre. During this event, President and Vice-Chancellor Graham Carr will present Dr. Esmeralda M.A. Thornhill with the Simone de Beauvoir Institute Prize in recognition of her groundbreaking contributions to Women’s Studies, Anti-Racism, and Legal Education, as well as Community Building and Advocacy for our rights. Registration link.
All events are free and bilingual.
Interpretation headsets will be available for English – French interpretation.
Spaces are accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Refreshments will be provided during both panels.
