By Canute Lawrence

University of Toronto’s Assistant Professor, Dr. Andrew Campbell, popularly known in academic circles and in the Black community as “Dr. ABC,” will be kicking off African Heritage Month with a grand celebration titled “Iron Sharpens Iron – Episode #1: Black Excellence 365 Brunch” at Parkview Manor, 55 Barber Green Road, in Toronto, on February 4.

The brunch, according to Dr. ABC, was inspired by Oprah Winfrey’s Gospel Brunch – Legends Ball 2005. Dr. Campbell, Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream in Leadership for Racial Justice in Education, is also the Teaching and Learning Coordinator for the Master of Teaching program at the University of Toronto. Dr. ABC is well-known to the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) community for his leadership in advancing anti-discrimination work in teacher education and received OISE’s 2022 award for Excellence in Initial Teacher Education.

Dr. ABC is very passionate about empowering and building people in the African-Canadian community for them to become their best selves. The Black Excellence 365 Brunch, he affirms, is one of many ways to build community. When there is a gathering of Black folks from all walks of life in celebration of each other, not only is it empowering, especially for Black youths, but it is a re-affirmation of resistance against a status quo that often diminishes and ignores the invaluable contributions persons of African descent have made to Canada’s growth and development.

This year’s brunch is the first of its annual series, and the host promises that it will be a glamorous and glitzy affair showcasing professionals, tradesmen, tradeswomen, and students from all spheres of the Canadian landscape. Campbell wants the annual event to generate and create scholarships for college and university-bound individuals who may be experiencing financial hardships. He emphasizes that the “Iron Sharpens Iron” brunch will be serving generous amounts of Black Joy, Black Excellence as well as a delectable three-course meal with great entertainment to boot.

Campbell currently teaches courses in anti-discrimination education, leadership and diversity, educational change, urban education, and Black Educators pedagogy and practice. He has presented at numerous conferences around the globe and has delivered many presentations as keynote speaker, motivational speaker, and workshop facilitator. Campbell says dream is to bring his community together over a good meal.

All are invited, and tickets are available on Eventbrite.