February 25 & 26, 2025
Events are TBA. Stay tuned for updates soon...
“I am often asked what can people do to become a good global citizen? I reply that it begins in your own community.” - Kofi Annan, Former UN Secretary-General
Book Club: The Message, by Ta-Nahisi Coates
Location: Malaspina Theater, Building 310 in the lobby
Time: 12:30 pm
Dr. Sonnet L’Abbé will lead a discussion of Ta-Nahisi Coates' bestselling new book, The Message. Pick up a copy now and come prepared to share responses and questions.
“The Message takes readers through Coates’ journeys all over the world, recounting his experiences in places like Dakar, Senegal; Columbia, South Carolina; and Palestine’s West Bank. Each location is a springboard for reflecting on topics such as white supremacy, colonialism, and what it means to be a Black writer today." - The Oberlin Review.
Musical Performance - “My Black History Is Poetry, Is Jazz”
Time: 4:00pm Refreshments/Doors open, 4:30 to 5:30 pm performance
Location: Building 320, Room 105
Cornel West wrote: “Jazz is a mode of democratic action. [It is] the middle road between invisibility and anger. It is where self-confident creativity resides. Black music is the paradigm for how Black people have best dealt with their humanity, their complexity ...” Come and hear from VIU poet Sonnet L’Abbé how jazz and poetry are interconnected practices of joy and resilience.
Sonnet L’Abbé, vocals and poetry, and Nick Peck, piano
"This is such a terrific and unique event that truly makes VIU stand out. I've received very positive feedback from all three of my classes about the events, and I look forward to getting involved next year." - Jocelyne Praud, Professor, Political Studies
"It was nice to come together across study areas as a VIU community, and to learn about an issue that affects our worldwide community." - Participant
Questions? Contact shubham.mattas@viu.ca.