PRAN, in collaboration with the Centre for Ethnomusicology at the University of Alberta, proudly presented two programs to celebrate Black History Month. The first was an internationally attended conference “Leveraging our Synergies: Arts and Cultural Resilience in Diaspora” which took place on February 16th and 17th at the historic Senate Chambers of the Old Arts Building at the University of Alberta. Attendees engaged in thought-provoking discussions on topics such as migration, economic and social inequalities, gender disparities, intimate partner violence, and diaspora politics.

Continuing the celebration, the second event took place on February 18th at Norquest College’s Atrium, featuring an evening of music, dance, and culture. These events served as platforms for scholars, artists, community members, and practitioners to come together, leveraging our collective cultural synergies to address crucial aspects of life within the diaspora. As part of these events there was also a painting and photo exhibition held at the Rutherford Library Galleria for the month of February. The exhibition,  titled ‘Portraits of Resilience’, featured art by two African Caribbean and Black community members– Elsa Robinson and Faith Abimbola. at the Rutherford Library Galleria for the whole month of February.