In photos: U of T's Black History Month Luncheon 2025

The University of Toronto’s annual Black History Month Luncheon drew hundreds from across the university’s three campuses, and many more online, to share food, celebrate Black history and excellence – and build community.

Keynote speaker Tracy Moore, a former television host and Canadian Screen Award Changemaker, noted that the popular event, now in its 23rd year, got its start as a lunchroom potluck.

“I love that,” she said. “To me, that is about community. That's about a community taking something very organic and organically growing it into something that creates an even bigger community.” 

In addition to Moore, attendees heard from Catherine Chandler-Crichlow, dean of the School of Continuing Studies, and Nikki Samuel, director, equity, diversity and inclusion, university advancement. They also watched performances by Juno award-winning artist Töme and Toronto’s first youth poet laureate Shahaddah Jack, who is also a human rights activist.

Glen Boothe, a co-founder of the luncheon who works in U of T’s division of advancement, said the event isn’t only about celebrating Black history and excellence, “but also to celebrate diversity and excellence in all its manifestations.”

“This is the best part of the program for me, when I stand at the podium at the Great Hall and I look over the room and I see a multitude of smiling, happy, diverse faces and I appreciate that,” he said. 

U of T President Meric Gertler highlighted U of T’s commitment to inclusive excellence.

“We recognize that great ideas are the product of diverse perspectives and that talent can and does come from any and every community,” he said in his remarks. “We also recognize that the playing field is not entirely level yet. Systemic barriers persist for many members of the Black community and for other groups on our campuses. U of T is committed to dismantling those barriers.” 

President Gertler also announced a $1.88 million donation by TD Bank to U of T’s School of Continuing Studies, to help launch a new pilot program aimed at empowering Black Canadians in the workforce.

Moore, meanwhile, was presented with an achievement award by David Palmer, U of T’s vice-president, advancement, for her trailblazing work in broadcasting, her commitment to diversity and inclusion and encouraging action to address equity disparities for marginalized communities.

“I feel that the community launched me into this position … I aimed to represent us well and to honour us and to bring us in whenever I could,” Moore said. “And it is now the community that are the hands on my back … Thank you, University of Toronto, thank you to my community. I love you all.”

U of T Chancellor Wes Hall wrapped up the luncheon with a message for students.

“As we close this Black History Month, I want you to always remember that life is a game – the rules don't apply sometimes, but you have to play just the same. OK? So, thank you for coming. Thank you for being a part of our institution and organization. This is the best education system in the world here at the University of Toronto. And you’re going to be equipped with the best education to compete and to get to your full potential.”