Archiving the Black Canadian Experience
In commemoration of Black History Month, the University of Winnipeg Archives is hosting a panel discussion highlighting three initiatives working to preserve the history of the Black experience in Manitoba in efforts to combat the erroneous dominant colonial historical narrative.
Archives have traditionally erased marginalized communities from colonial histories as their stories did not support the nation-building narrative and myth of white, heteronormative, patriarchal progress and success. Three speakers will discuss their work ensuring that the gaps in our documentary heritage are filled with the stories of Black Community by preserving their cultural heritage and making it accessible to a wider audience.
A Q&A period will follow the presentations. In addition, the University Archives will curate an exhibition featuring materials celebrating Black history in Manitoba, and items from the Black Canadian Experience Centre will also be on display all afternoon. Light refreshments will be available.
Speakers
- Nadia Thompson (Black History Manitoba) will discuss BHM's work in educating Manitobans about the vital role played by the Black community in Canadian History and what advantages are gained by learning about the past and giving back to communities.
- Judy Williams (Black Canadian Experience Centre) will discuss the past, present, and future work of the BCEC in establishing a museum that centres Black histories, stories, and futures.
- Gabriel Bell-Gam (Bell-Gam Digital Cultural Heritage Center) will discuss his work with photography in the cultural heritage sector, including how 3-D scanning can be used to self-archive Black Heritage materials.
This event is made possible thanks to the support of the University of Winnipeg Library and the Centre for Research in Cultural Studies (CRiCS).