Celebrating Black history

Every February, Canada celebrates Black History Month, and this year’s theme is “Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build.” Starting Feb. 26, the University of Winnipeg Students’ Association’s BIPoC Lounge is showcasing Black fashion, food and art through a weeklong event series. They are hosting a gaming tournament, workout training session, movie night, seminar and a Black Excellence Gala on March 1.

Wesmen basketball team rankings

The Wesmen men’s basketball team needs to win both games in Regina this weekend to secure a top-four spot in the Canada West standings. This would give them a bye in the opening round of the playoff tournament. After losing twice to the University of Manitoba Bisons last weekend, the women’s basketball team will need to win both games in Regina for a chance to make the playoffs.

Illegal border crossing leads to arrest

A Calgary man, Saleh Youssouf, appeared in a Winnipeg court on Jan. 29 after he was charged under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for allegedly smuggling seven men across the Canada-United States border. The RCMP said the seven men are from Chad in north-central Africa. Less than two months ago, another group of people from Chad were also found illegally crossing into Manitoba. The Canada Border Services Agency is investigating.

Métis crafting session

In collaboration with the Manitoba Métis Federation, the U of W’s Indigenous Students’ Association is hosting a Métis crafting session to celebrate Louis Riel Day. The university is closed on Feb. 19 to honour Riel, so the crafting session will take place on Feb. 12 in the Helen Betty Osborne Building (Room 1E11) from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Gillingham to give state of the city address

Mayor Scott Gillingham will give his second annual state of the city address on Feb. 9 at the RBC Convention Centre. He will provide an update on the city’s progress regarding his electoral promises to improve municipal services, invest in infrastructure projects and tackle social challenges like homelessness and crime. Gillingham will also address his plans for Winnipeg’s future.

Debates about library space

Coun. Evan Duncan (Charleswood-Tuxedo-Westwood) suggested the community connections space, which often provides social supports for vulnerable downtown populations, be moved out of the Millennium Library. He told CBC News the space should be for library services and that the province should fund a new resource space. Advocates for the community hub say his comment excludes part of Winnipeg’s population that has the right to access the public library.

Published in Volume 78, Number 17 of The Uniter (February 8, 2024)