Black History Month is a time to honour and celebrate the experiences, accomplishments, culture, and rich history of Black Canadians; combat anti-Black racism; and is an opportunity to work toward change.⁠ To mark the month, the OTSU is highlighting student voices and awarding its annual Black Excellence in Leadership Award.

Additionally, the university and the Black Youth Visionary program will be hosting several Black History Month events throughout the month, including a paint night, a public lecture on Pan-African thought, and more. See the full list here.

BLACK LEADERS OF TOMORROW

Throughout the month of February we’ll be highlighting the diverse voices we have on campus through our Black Leaders of Tomorrow social media campaign, providing students a platform to share their thoughts and experiences on what representation and belonging means to them.

This year we’re asking students the question:

If you are a Black-identifying student and would like to share your perspective, please click the link below. Thank you in advance for participating, and we’ll reach out to arrange a time to take your photo.

Be part of the campaign

BLACK EXCELLENCE IN LEADERSHIP AWARD

This February, the OTSU will be awarding its annual Black Excellence in Leadership Award. The award recognizes students who self-identify as Black or Black and multi-racial and have demonstrated exceptional leadership and community-building within the Ontario Tech community. This award honours students who have made a meaningful impact on campus through their leadership roles, which could be in your club or society, as a peer mentor or peer wellness educator, or anything like that.

If you know someone who has demonstrated excellence and would like to nominate them—and that someone could be you!—click this link to apply:

Apply for BEL Award

About the Award

Eligibility

• Applicants must be full-time students enrolled at Ontario Tech University
• There is no academic standing requirement
• Ontario Tech students may nominate themselves or a peer

Award Details

• The award will be presented to three (3) students
• Each recipient will receive a $300 monetary award

Timeline

• Applications open: February 2, 2026
• Applications close: February 28, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
• Late submissions will not be considered

Selection

• Award recipients will be selected by the OTSU Awards Selection Committee
• Successful applicants will be notified by email (Ontario Tech student email address)

Additional Information

• Award winners may be contacted to do a short Q&A to be used on our news page
• Please ensure that you are signed in to your ontariotechu.net email to access the form.

Happy Black History Month!

🖤The OTSU