Dr. Afua Cooper presents the World Premiere of Portia White: A Vibrant Presence


In commemoration of African Heritage/Black History Month, Dr. Afua Cooper presents the World Premiere of Portia White: A Vibrant Presence, honouring the life and legacy of Portia White, a trailblazing Black Canadian opera singer. The video screening and panel dicussion with White’s great nephew Dr. George Elliott Clarke, her niece Sheila White, Dr. Afua Cooper, … Continue reading Dr. Afua Cooper presents the World Premiere of Portia White: A Vibrant Presence

Past/Future: African Canadian History, Arts and Culture in STEM Education


A Black People’s History of Canada (BPHC) is a three-year project initiated and funded by the Department of Canadian Heritage and Dalhousie University in 2021. Its purpose is to conduct new research into our nation’s rich African Canadian heritage. Partnering with African Canadian groups and government agencies responsible for education, BPHC will help create new … Continue reading Past/Future: African Canadian History, Arts and Culture in STEM Education

N.S. pays tribute to Black Loyalists who sailed to Sierra Leone in 1792


Dr. Afua Cooper, a Black studies professor at Dalhousie University, shares the history of broken promises and unbreakable spirits of nearly 1,200 Black Loyalists who sailed for Sierra Leone in January 1792. Click to listen to Mainstreet NS with Jeff Douglas (aired on January 13, 2022) or read full article at CBC News.  

Black History Month Speaks


An impassioned and informative presentation that puts Black Canadians at the centre of the telling of Canadian history. For organizations committed to improving racial and ethnic justice in the workplace, learn how an understanding and appreciation of Black history can lead to the fulfillment of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) goals in your organization. For … Continue reading Black History Month Speaks

My 30‑year effort to bring Black studies to Canadian universities is still an upward battle


Since my time as a graduate student to my present appointment as professor at Dalhousie University, I have been involved with championing and developing Black studies in universities and beyond. Previously, within Canadian universities, not many scholars who work in creating knowledge about Black people called it Black studies. For many, “Black studies” was something … Continue reading My 30‑year effort to bring Black studies to Canadian universities is still an upward battle