February is Black History Month! At LHSC, we celebrate this important time as an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the significant contributions of Black Canadians in shaping today’s health-care system and society.
The Black History Month Organizing Committee has prepared many events for Team LHSC, patients, and families to attend to celebrate Black History Month. We hope you take advantage of these exciting opportunities to learn more about Black culture, traditions, and the issues facing many of the Black communities we serve.
February 6 and 7 - Workplace Wellness Zumba Classes
In partnership with the Wellness Team, the Black History Month Organizing Committee has arranged two Zumba classes for members of Team LHSC. The classes will take place at University Hospital (UH) on February 6 and Victoria Hospital (VH) on February 7. These events will be held in the UH and VH Wellness Centres at 12:15 p.m. Participants are required to have access to each Wellness Centre. Space is limited, so register early through the WellnessLiving mobile app!
February 13 – Black History Month Vendor Fair at VH
From 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Children’s Hosptial’s (CH) B1 Atrium will be filled with vendors selling cultural art, jewelry, and more.
February 13 – Cultural Lunch at UH Cafeteria, featuring Yaya’s Kitchen
Experience the unique cultural cuisine from northern Nigeria and the Sahel region at the UH Cafeteria on February 13 between 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. Maryam and Melvin Wright from local culinary space, Yaya's Kitchen, will prepare a delicious meal available for preorder and day-of purchase. The menu includes Jollof Bowl, Carribean-style coleslaw, masa, zobo, and dublan. Proceeds from this event will be donated towards WEAN Community Centre, London’s first and only centre providing wholistic health for local Black communities. To preorder your meal, speak to a cafeteria cashier.
February 14 – Saidat at CH’s Sumner Auditorium
Saidat is a popular children’s performer who inspires, educates, and amazes adults and children with her energetic and informative performances. Team LHSC members are encouraged to bring their families to experience Saidat’s show on February 14 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at VH’s Sumner Auditorium (B2-119). This event will also be livestreamed to UH Auditorium A (B3-246). Please register to attend this event.
February 26 – Case Presentation: "Pain, Resilience, and the Black Health Experience"
Please join us between 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. on February 26 at the VH Sumner Auditorium (B2-119) for a case presentation highlighting the collaborative approach taken by LHSC paediatric teams in providing care. The presentation will share the care journey of a young Black refugee and his life with sickle cell disease. This event will be livestreamed to UH Auditorium A (B3-246), as well as to those who cannot attend in-person. Please register and indicate your preferred method of attendance.
February 27 – Black History Month Vendor Fair at UH
From 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. the UH cafeteria will be filled with vendors selling cultural art, jewelry, and more.
February 27 – Cultural Lunch at VH Faye’s Café, featuring Yaya’s Kitchen
Experience the unique cultural cuisine from northern Nigeria and the Sahel region at VH Faye’s Café on February 27 between 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. Maryam and Melvin Wright from local culinary space, Yaya's Kitchen, will prepare a delicious meal available for preorder and day-of purchase. The menu includes Jollof Bowl, Carribean-style coleslaw, masa, zobo, and dublan. Proceeds from this event will be donated towards WEAN Community Centre, London’s first and only centre providing wholistic health for local Black communities. To preorder your meal, speak to a cafeteria cashier.
Walk and Learn - Educational Path and Weekly Draw
Within UH and VH there are walking routes that wind throughout the halls of the hospitals. Throughout Black History Month, posters will be placed along each route to educate Team LHSC, patients, families, and visitors about various topics related to Black culture, history, and issues facing Black communities. At the end of the route, individuals will be asked to complete a short, anonymous engagement survey and then scan a QR code to participate in a weekly prize draw. A weekly online learning option is available for remote and offsite workers. So, let’s lace up those walking shoes and start learning!
“Introduction to Anti-Black Racism” iLearn Module
The Black Health team has produced an e-learning module for all members of Team LHSC to learn about some of the racism and discrimination faced by Black communities we serve. To complete this course in iLearn, type “Introduction to Anti-Black Racism” in the search box at the top of the page.
