Reclaiming Afrocentric Visions of Wellness: A Black History Month Symposium 2025
Feb 27, 2025
8:00AM to 10:00AM
Date/Time
Date(s) - 27/02/2025
8:00 am - 10:00 am
McMaster Family Medicine is hosting Reclaiming Afrocentric Visions of Wellness: A Black History Month Symposium to celebrate Black History Month.
About the theme
From herbal remedies, spiritual interventions, holistic therapies, music and dance to laying the groundwork for inoculation, Black people have had a long history as holistic health and medical innovators. However, the forces of colonization have often disrupted and appropriated the contributions of African diasporic peoples to medicine and science while devaluing many of their traditions and cultural practices. In this moment, we reclaim wellness through advocating for dismantling systemic anti-Black racism and promoting equity in healthcare. We honor Afrocentric visions of health, wholeness, and wellbeing by embracing Black culture, wisdom and ageless traditions. We prioritize sustaining culturally safe and supportive environments where the wellbeing of Black community members is a core area of focus as we journey towards a more inclusive, equitable, and just culture.
About the event
Peoples of African heritage have rich and dynamic cultures around storytelling, art, healing traditions and delicious food — all shared in community. Enjoy a sumptuous Caribbean breakfast buffet then allow your heart and soul to be moved by dance, music and spoken words aimed to inspire, educate and foster meaningful dialogue.
We invite all faculty, staff, and learners to register their attendance for this hybrid event using this Form. The in-person event will be hosted on the 2nd floor auditorium of the David Braley Health Sciences Centre (DBHSC). There is a maximum capacity for in-person attendees and you are encouraged to register as soon as possible. The event will also be live streamed via Zoom.
Join us online on Thursday, February 27, 2025 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. For those attending in person, breakfast will be served from 8 to 8:30 a.m. (the live event will kickoff at 8:30 a.m.)
Please remember to complete the attendance form!
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Alicia Wright | Emcee and Land AcknowledgementAlicia is dedicated to advocating for equity, diversity, inclusion, anti-racism and anti-oppression practices in the workplace and learning environment. She currently serves as DFM’s Manager, EDI & Anti-Racism Initiatives and is a central resource for leaders, faculty, staff and learners across DFM’s domains. She actively collaborates with FHS, McMaster and Hamilton-based partners on programs and initiatives which enable greater equity, inclusion and belonging. Alicia is actively involved in the community, contributing to several non-profit/charitable organizations as an advisor or board member. Alicia channeled her energy by contributing as a co-author to an anthology, 21 Resilient Women: Stories of Courage, Growth and Transformation during the heights of the global pandemic. |
Artist and Storyteller line-up
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Geri Defoe | VocalistAfter an impressive 22-year career in law enforcement, Geri embarked on an unexpected yet fulfilling journey into the world of music. In 2013, she began paying tribute to one of her greatest musical influences, Whitney Houston. What started as a heartfelt homage soon blossomed into a captivating, full-scale show that not only mesmerized audiences but also grew into a highly successful performance career. Geri’s soulful renditions of Whitney Houston’s timeless hits, including the iconic “I Will Always Love You,” earned her standing ovations and captured the hearts of audiences across Canada, North America, the United Kingdom and Mexico. Though her music career was flourishing, Geri’s life was not without challenges. After navigating personal family struggles and an unfulfilling career as an insurance fraud investigator, Geri made a life-changing decision in 2023. Recognizing a newfound calling, she transitioned to performing for nursing and retirement homes full-time. For Geri, this new chapter was nothing short of a dream come true—bringing joy, connection, and music to senior citizens. She now proudly considers it “the best job on the planet.” In this new phase of her life, Geri has found not only purpose but also clarity. “I finally know what I want to be when I grow up,” she says with a smile, embracing her role as a source of comfort and entertainment for those who have lived through so much. Geri’s journey is a testament to the power of following one’s heart, embracing change, and finding fulfillment in unexpected places. Whether performing for intimate audiences or large crowds, she continues to share her love of music, leaving a lasting impact wherever she goes. |
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Ingrid Waldron | StorytellingDr. Ingrid Waldron is Professor and HOPE Chair in Peace and Health in the Global Peace and Social Justice Program in the Faculty of Humanities at McMaster University. Her research focuses on environmental and climate justice in Black, Indigenous, and other racialized communities, mental illness and dementia in Black communities, and COVID-19 in Black and South Asian communities. Ingrid is the author of the book There’s Something in the Water: Environmental Racism in Indigenous and Black Communities, which was turned into a 2020 Netflix documentary of the same name and was co-produced by Waldron, actor Elliot Page, and Ian Daniel. She is the founder and Director of the Environmental Noxiousness, Racial Inequities and Community Health Project (The ENRICH Project) and helped develop the federal private members bill a National Strategy Respecting Environmental Racism and Environmental Justice (Bill C-226). Bill C-226 was approved at Senate on June 13, 2024, and given royal assent on June 20, 2024, becoming the first environmental justice law in Canada. Waldron’s book entitled From the Enlightenment to Black Lives Matter: The Impact of Racial Trauma on Mental Health in Black Communities, was published on November 25, 2024. It traces experiences of racial trauma in Black communities in Canada, the US and the UK from the colonial era to the present. |
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MACaws Dance Team | DanceThe goal of the McMaster Association of Caribbean & West Indian Students’ is to bring the rich and diverse culture of the Caribbean to McMaster University. The MACaws dance team is dedicated to bringing our community together to engage in creative expression. |
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Hamilton You Poets | Spoken WordHYP is known locally for promoting community culture for spoken word, performance, storytelling. Over the past 10 years they have been uplifting voices through poetry, self-expression, creativity, writing performance and publication. The creative spoken word piece that will be performed at the event is being written specially for the occasion. |
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Conrod’s Caribbean Kitchen | CateringEnjoy a delicious array of Jamaican and fusion cuisine! If possible, please bring your own reusable cup for coffee or tea. Also, please take your water bottle with you. |
Three Hamilton-based Causes to Support!
This year, we are excited to inform the DFM community that you have the choice to donate to three local community organizations that support Black community members in different ways. Donate to one or more of these organizations based on your preference.
- Hamilton Black History Council, a not-for-profit community organization whose mission is to promote, celebrate, and honor the history of people of African descent in Hamilton, guided by four pillars: celebration, connection, education, and empowerment. Please make a donation to support this cause is sustaining a legacy that celebrates and promotes Black history and talents.
- Sisters in Sync, is a not-for-profit organization that was created as a response to the growing need for spaces where Black girls and women from all walks of life can exist and share experiences. Support this cause through your generous donation.
- Refuge: Hamilton Centre for Newcomer Health is a registered, incorporated not-for-profit organization which strives to be a community leader in the provision of timely and high-quality healthcare services to Hamilton’s newcomer population. Your generous donations will support the most vulnerable, yet resilient, newcomers to our community, to access quality health care services.