Dear colleagues,

With apologies for cross-posting.

We live in a world of information, and the knowledge we share matters: it can challenge or uphold the systemic barriers that many in our communities face. This February, we invite you to join the Toronto Public Library, University of Toronto Libraries, Toronto Metropolitan Library, and York University Libraries in making the world of information more inclusive in the Black Histories Edit-a-thon!

First, join us Feb 8, 1–2:30 p.m. EST for a kick-off panel event featuring:

• Moderator: Funké Aladejebi, University of Toronto historian and co-editor of Unsettling the Great White North: Black Canadian History

• Debbie Ebanks Schlums, multidisciplinary artist and PhD candidate in Cinema and Media Arts at York University

• Jonsaba Jabbi, writer, storyteller, and co-founder of Building A Black Archive (BABA)

We will have a lively and important discussion on the potential (& limitations) of Wikipedia and Wikidata to centre care toward Black experiences in public history.

Then, every Friday in February, join your library for facilitated editing sessions on Zoom: you can learn the basics or get a refresher on editing Wikipedia and Wikidata, then write alongside others who are passionate about improving digital coverage of Black histories and experiences. No prior editing experience is required.

We look forward to seeing you! Please register (free) for the online event to receive the Zoom link(s).

Katrina Cohen-Palacios