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Left to right: A quarter century of Johnston Chairs — Esmeralda Thornhill, David Divine, Afua Cooper and OmiSoore Dryden

A quarter century ago, Dalhousie made history when it became the first university in Canada to create a dedicated academic position devoted to Black Canadian Studies.

Since then, the four scholars who have held the James R. Johnson Chair in Black Canadian Studies — including current Johnston Chair, OmiSoore Dryden — have carved out a unique and lasting impact in the field through their work.

“It’s important to recognize just how influential the Johnston Chairs have been in helping to develop the field of Black Studies in Canada,” says Dr. Dryden, who has organized a series of public events for the coming months to mark the 25-year milestone.