Black Voices 2004

York University’s Black Student Alliance will celebrate Black History Month by holding an International Black Student Conference and gala social event March 5-7 at the Keele campus.


Titled “Black Voices 2004,” the event will include workshops, plenary sessions and performances culminating in a gala dinner and dance, which is YUBSA’s fifth annual formal social event marking Black History Month.


The conference, sponsored by York University, radio station CHRY 105.5FM and York Lanes, will feature workshops on current issues, history and gender relations. Two plenary sessions on slavery and reparations are also planned. Tickets are $30 each and include breakfast (3 days), dance/gala ticket, Roots Lounge cultural performances pass, and workshop and plenary sessions. Additional tickets for the gala and Roots Lounge are available separately.


Workshops include:



  • Language, Power and Persuasion with Dr. Carolyn Cooper, University of The West Indies.
  • The Use of Migrant Workers in Ontario with Tanya Fersuson of Justice for Migrant Workers.
  • Gender Relations within the Black Community with Kemba Byam, Aaron Kamguisha, Krystyn Mekbeb and Chike Jeffers.
  • Contemporary African Issues.
  • Pan-Africanism, Black Youth and Education with YUBSA Advisor Danielle Francis.

Plenary Sessions include:



  • Truths About Trans-Atlantic Chattel Enslavement of Africans with Grace-Edward Galabuzi, Ryerson University.
  • Reparations with Raymond Winbush, Morgan State University, Washington, and Cecil Gutzmore, University of The West Indies.

For event information and tickets, call YUBSA at ext. 60272 or by e-mail at yubsa@yorku.ca.