Beginning in fall 2025, Concordia University will launch a new minor program in Black and African diaspora studies in the Canadian context. The program is the first of its kind in the province of Quebec.
The new minor program aims to differentiate itself from existing Black and African American diaspora studies programs in the United States by focusing its curriculum on the unique historical context of the Black Canadian population. It will be housed in the interdisciplinary studies section of the faculty of arts and sciences, and include offerings from the faculty of fine arts.
Two new courses, “Introduction to Black Studies in the Canadian Context” and “Black Montreal,” have been developed alongside the new minor and will serve as required coursework for students enrolled in the program. The university’s existing “Race and Ethnic Relations” class will be the minor’s third mandatory course. The remainder of the minor’s 24-credit coursework will consist of electives regarding Black-focused topics in literature, fine arts, history, and critical thinking.
Christiana Abraham, senior lecturer in communication studies at Concordia University, will serve as the minor’s inaugural director. She serves as a member of Concordia’s Task Force on Anti-Black Racism, which advocated for the minor’s development.
“The Scarborough Charter traces Black history back more than 400 years in Canada, so there are very deep traditions and Black settlements that are largely unknown here,” said Dr. Abraham. “We can consider this as part of Canada’s hidden history. Yet there is so much to do within this emerging field of Black Canadian studies. There are lots of grounded and creative sites to work with and from, including our extensive archives at Concordia. It is a very exciting field and a historic moment for Black studies in Canada.”
Dr. Abraham is a two-time alumna of Concordia University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in communication studies and master’s degree in media studies. She holds a Ph.D. in communication studies from McGill University in Montreal.
