Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Black Excellence
Why do we need to focus on Black Excellence at Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ?
Black Excellence initiatives at Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ celebrate the achievements of Black community members, all while recognizing their power, brilliance and resilience in the face of countless systemic barriers. This work embodies Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµâ€™s values of equity, diversity, and inclusion as an integral component of the fabric of the university.
In 2020, the Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion (OVPECI) published the university’s (PDF file) Anti-Black Racism Campus Climate Review Report, outlining the real-life experiences of Black students, faculty and staff at Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ, and the ways that the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ community can come together to disrupt and dismantle anti-Black racism on campus.
A way to create space with fellow Black community members
Black Excellence initiatives aim to not only provide a meaningful space for Black students, faculty and staff to celebrate their successes, but also provide:
- A multi-generational network between Black students, faculty, staff, and alumni at Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ.
- A platform to amplify the voices of Black students at Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ.
- Inspiration, empowerment and encouragement for prospective incoming students, and current Black students at Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ.
- A visible presence for equity, diversity and inclusion values at Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ.
- A platform to communicate upcoming initiatives, programming, and opportunities to Black community members.