News & Events

Lali Mohamed has taken black history to a whole new level.

The fourth-year sociology student is an award-winning youth activist who’s made it his life’s work to advocate for queer and trans youth of colour. Mohamed is the founder of Queering Black History Month, an annual photography exhibit and panel discussion that honours the histories and contributions of LGBT African-, black- and Caribbean-Canadians. In honour of Black History Month, Mohamed is hosting Queering Black History Feb. 29 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the student campus centre. Panellists include a mix of academics, activists and artists and the photo exhibit documents Toronto’s Ballroom Vogue Scene, a modern house dance made popular by Madonna’s 1990 “Vogue” music video.

More information on the event can be found at www.facebook.com/events/130358727029879/.

Mohamed first started Queering Black History to learn more about his personal history.

“It began as a selfish endeavour that turned huge when (at last year’s event) more than 200 people showed up. They were hungry for knowledge,” he said. “I always thought equity and inclusion were very important so people could feel free to be themselves. It’s important to create spaces in communities that promote that.”

While Black History Month has predominantly focused on key figures such as Martin Luther King, Harriet Tubman and Canada’s own Viola Desmond, Mohamed is keen to uncover the untold stories of LGBT black Canadians. This year’s event focuses on young people and the torch they’re carrying in upholding the legacy of previous activists.

“Acknowledging queers in black history creates a whole new diversity in black history. Ignoring that is a racist endeavour in itself,” Mohamed said. “The people who have contributed to black history need to be named, honoured and acknowledged and I’m specifically doing it in a queer context.”

Mohamed‘s own lessons in queer black history have come from meeting others in the LGBT community – teaching him that there is a need for archival space on this topic.

“There is a rich history but it only exists in our collective minds and it needs to be documented,” he said.

Mohamed’s connection to the LGBT community runs deeps. He’s worked extensively with youth service organizations in developing their outreach strategies, implementing their strategic plan and helping them become more inclusive and equitable. Similarly, he is the co-founder of Deviant Productions, an alternative youth media collective that advances social justice through video vignettes. Deviant Productions documents and archives the struggles and achievements of marginalized communities. He was recently recognized by Toronto Police Services for his advocacy work and was named one of 100 People of Colour Anti-Racist Activists in Ontario – along with Grace-Edward Galabuzi, politics and public administration professor; and Winnie Ng, CAW-Sam Gindin Chair in Social Justice and Democracy.

Black History Month at Ryerson began with the Black Jew Dialogues educational comedy troupe in January and continues with Freedom Dialogues on Feb. 16.  Festivities conclude with the Viola Desmond Day Award Celebration on March 5. Check Ryerson Today closer to the event date for further details.