Thursday, October 22, 2026
Centre for Black Health Marks Five Years of Research, Advocacy and Community Partnership
Obasola Bamigbola, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Interdisciplinary Centre for Black Health (ICBH) marked its fifth anniversary with a celebration highlighting the importance of community partnerships, research and advocacy in addressing health inequities affecting Black populations in Canada.
Held under the theme A Sense of Community, the anniversary brought together researchers, healthcare professionals, university leaders and community advocates to reflect on the Centre’s achievements over the past five years and discuss priorities for advancing Black health and well-being.
The program opened with welcoming remarks by master of ceremonies Schwab Bakombo, followed by a piano performance of Frédéric Chopin’s Fantaisie-Impromptu by Sibellard Donesty Louis.
Dr. Julie St-Pierre, Vice-Rector at the University of Ottawa, delivered opening remarks, followed by Dr. Nathan Young, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences. Their participation reflected the university’s institutional engagement with the Centre and its interdisciplinary approach to Black health research.
Following another musical interlude, Dr. Jude Mary Cénat, Director of the Interdisciplinary Centre for Black Health, presented a retrospective of the Centre’s first five years, acknowledging the researchers, partners and community organizations whose contributions have supported its development.
His presentation also looked toward the future, emphasizing the importance of sustaining collaboration between academic institutions and the communities whose experiences inform health research and policy.
The program then turned to community perspectives with remarks from Biba Tinga, Director of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of Canada. Speaking passionately about the challenges associated with sickle cell disease, Tinga drew attention to its impact on Black individuals and families and the importance of continued advocacy, awareness and access to appropriate care.
The first keynote address, “Researching While Black,” was delivered by Dr. Awad Ibrahim, Vice-Provost of Equity, Diversity and Inclusive Excellence at the University of Ottawa and a member of the Centre.
Ibrahim began by acknowledging the ancestors whose experiences and contributions helped shape the present. His address introduced reflections on Black identity and representation within academic research, followed by an opportunity for audience questions and discussion.
A second keynote, “Black Health Research in Canada: An Overview of the State of the Field,” was delivered by Dr. Monica Williams, professor and clinical psychologist at the University of Ottawa. Her presentation focused on the broader landscape of Black health research and was followed by a question-and-answer session.
One of the anniversary’s highlights was an awards ceremony recognizing six individuals for their contributions to research, healthcare practice, international scholarship and community engagement.
Dr. Josephine Etowa received the Research Excellence Award, while Dr. Danielle Brown-Shreves and Dr. Hughes Loemba were each recognized with Practice Excellence Awards. Dr. Makiko Deguchi received the International Recognition Award, and the Honourable Dr. Marie-Françoise Mégie was honoured with the Black Health Lifetime Achievement Award. Suzanne Obiorah received the Excellence in Black Community Health Engagement Award.
The recognition of researchers alongside healthcare practitioners and community advocates reflected the Centre’s emphasis on connecting academic knowledge with practical improvements in health outcomes.
Dr. Cénat concluded the formal program with acknowledgements and closing remarks before inviting attendees to a reception, where conversations and networking continued.
The celebration reinforced the fact that advancing Black health requires more than research alone. It depends on community participation and a shared commitment to turning knowledge into meaningful improvements in people’s lives.
