Black history month at Sheridan College is being embraced in all ways possible this year.

Throughout black history month, the Sheridan Student Union has introduced a poster contest called "Love in All Colours" where students can submit posters created in honour of black history month; in addition, on February 21, the student union is hosting a poetry slam at the Marquee for students to showcase their artwork.

Akil Mckenzie, the events coordinator for the Sheridan Student Union believes the poster contest and poetry slam event go hand-in-hand for bringing awareness to black history month, "I decided to do a poster contest so that the school can become an exhibit for Black History Month. The poetry contest at the end of the month is in relation to the 70s, and even until now, when poetry was a large outlet for black culture to express their feelings and struggles in a safe environment where they have a voice to do so."

The posters will be showcased at the Trafalgar campus throughout the month of February to bring awareness to Black History Month.

Black history month first began as "Negro History Week" in 1926 by Carter G. Woodson, a NAACP leader (National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People), educator, and historian. February was chosen because of the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and President Abraham Lincoln. In 1976, the federal government expanded the tradition to Black History Month. It was started in America, however Canada as well as the United Kingdom participate in the empowering month. Black History Month works towards celebrating everything people of colour have endured throughout the years, and honouring their power and strength.