1969 SIR GEORGE WILLIAMS UNIVERSITY STUDENT PROTEST
January 29 – February 11, 1969
The Henry F. Hall Building is the site of Canada’s largest student protest against anti-Black racism.
A pivotal moment in time
In 1969, Sir George Williams University students occupied the ninth floor computer lab to protest how complaints of racism made by Black and Caribbean students had been mishandled and allegations dismissed.
On February 11, after negotiations failed, university leaders called the police which resulted in the arrest of 97 students and long-lasting psychological, physical and social repercussions.
The events caused irreparable harm to Black and Caribbean students, their communities and supporters.
The student protest served as a pivotal moment in Black activism that raised worldwide awareness of Black identity in Canada, institutional and unacknowledged racism.
Commemoration of the Hall Building as the site of Canada’s largest student anti-Black racism protest
Monday, February 6, 2023
President Graham Carr, Provost Anne Whitelaw, and Special Advisor to the Provost on Black Integration & Knowledges, Angélique Willkie, unveiled a temporary plaque commemorating the Henry F. Hall Building as the site of Canada’s largest student anti-Black racism protest and shared announcements including a new commemoration website and a contest to name the Black Students Centre.
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If you have any questions or comments, please contact ptfabr@concordia.ca