Sarah George is a student, staff and instructor at Carlton. She was born in Zimbabwe and raised in the US and Canada. George joined Carleton College after she received her bachelor’s degree from Mount Royal College. Department of Social Anthropology, There she completed her master’s degree with a specialization in African Studies and is currently working on her PhD. She says she was drawn to Carlton, Canada’s only university. African Institute, where she wanted to do her research.
Sarah George
“My research explores black radical resistance traditions,” says George. “More specifically, I look at Pan-Africanism, the idea of unity for all peoples of African descent that emerged within the radical black tradition.”
George examines how this exists in cities like Ottawa and Calgary, and how people in those cities understand blackness. The focus is on black women.
“Zimbabwe has a history of colonialism, just like Canada, but Zimbabwe is a little different because it had a rogue white nationalist government that had to fight a liberation struggle,” said George. increase. “This experience frames my awareness of race.
“When I came to Canada, I was interested in the scenery here. — What do black people think and do here? ”
George’s interest in Pan-Africanism was part of what shaped Carlton’s vision. Umoja Black Community Engagement Program.
George and her colleagues Student experience room (SEO) realize their ideas. They were responsible for naming the organization, developing the vision, designing the structure of the program, setting up an advisory board, hiring staff, and creating the logo.
“We wanted to have a pan-African lens on board,” says George. “We managed to get it up and running. So far, it’s been great.”
With the help of SEO and former Equity and Diversity Coordinator Dwayne Taylor, the program was officially launched last year. The name Umoja is a Swahili word meaning unity.
“We chose this name because we stand for black people and are dedicated to tackling anti-black racism through the unity of all people of African descent,” explains George. “Building on the diversity of Ottawa’s black population, inclusion and unity are the foundation of all his Umoja programs.”
The Umoja program hosts public education programs and events, develops programs on the impact of anti-black racism, supports students transitioning from high school to college, and helps students develop career preparation skills and personal Help build connections. They hold events in Carlton, communities and high schools. The program also recently launched the Future Funder campaign, an emergency fund for black students. Since its inception, George’s official role in the program has become Community Engagement Lead, her SEO staff position.
“It’s a lot of work, but we are fully committed to this cause,” says George.
In the lead up to Black History Month, the George and Umoja program is partnering with community organizations for two important events. hair, mind, body and soulThis event is a culturally safe gathering where black women and people of black gender diversity speak freely about hair health, mental health, sexual health, body care, HIV, and all forms of self-care. On March 5th, we will host a Poetry Night celebrating the Black Canadian experience in partnership with the Institute for Africa. Professor Otino Nduka Also open mic, Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard as guest speaker.
In addition to her schooling and work with Umoja, George teaches Race, Gender and Society: Through the Arts, a third-year sociology course in which college students work with high school students to create a theater project about social oppression.
“This is a Forum Theater model where the audience can actually intervene,” says George. “This is an exercise in reducing escalation for students.”
Outside of Carleton, George runs the Equity4Us anti-racism initiative at Somerset West Community Health Center, which will facilitate a 12-week program for Black, Indigenous, and Asian community members.
George has dedicated his life to learning, teaching and advocating for decolonization, anti-racism and black liberation. That’s why her Black History Month is especially important to her.
“Every day is Black History Month for me, but I also want to take this opportunity to celebrate being Black and thank all those who came before us and made so many sacrifices to be where we are today. increase.”
During Black History Month, the Carlton community mobilizes to promote and highlight Black leadership, achievement and experience. Black History Month is an important time to mark each year, but Carleton recognizes that Black inclusion must be a priority every day, throughout the year. For more information, visit newsroom.carleton.ca/black-history-month.
Monday, January 30, 2023 Black History Month, Sociology and Anthropology
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