A display showcasing some of the York University Libraries’ collection of books, movies, maps and special collections is now available on the 2nd floor of Scott Library until the end of March. The display was created in partnership with Norda Majekodunmi (Scott Reference), Marcelle Mullings (Centre for Student Community & Leadership Development), Danielle Pinnock, a representative from the York University Black Student Alliance, and Odion Osegyefo, editor-in chief for Excalibur’s African History issue. This year’s black history month display focused on two themes: “The Ballot or the Bullet” and “Continuing the Narratives”.
The first display, “The Ballot or the Bullet,” refers to a 1964 speech by human rights activist Malcolm X, in which he encouraged African-Americans to be active in the fight to achieve full equal rights by voting (“the ballot”) (and voting strategically) and if necessary, by taking up arms (“the bullet”). The display focuses on the black history month issue of Excalibur, the student newspaper, with President Barack Obama on the cover. Library resources related to the civil rights movement and Black studies in general are also highlighted.
The second display’s theme is “Continuing the Narratives”. The tagline from this display is “How do we prepare the next generation of leaders?” The display features selected York faculty publications available in the York University Libraries, including a special tribute to the late Professor R. Patrick Solomon. Selected documents and photos from the Jean Augustine fonds in the Clara Thomas Archives are also featured in the 2nd display. Jean Augustine was the first black female elected to Parliament in Canada. She was also instrumental in introducing black history month (February) in Canada.
The display will be up until the end of March. Please see the pictures to the right!
Special thanks to the following for their assistance: Julia Holland, Clara Thomas Archives and Special Collections; Timothy Bristow and Carol Bonair, Scott Reference; Dana Craig and Trudy Bodak, Map Library; Kathy Elder, Sound and Moving Image Library.
Posted on behalf of Norda Majekodunmi.
