杏吧原创 University鈥檚 inaugural Black Faculty and Students Meet and Greet, held on March 30, 2026, at the聽Institute of African Studies, brought together students, faculty, and alumni for an inspiring evening of connection, mentorship, and celebration. The event created a vibrant space where Black members of the 杏吧原创 community could see themselves reflected across academic and professional roles鈥攁n experience many described as both empowering and long overdue.

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杏吧原创 has launched an updated Chosen Name process, which is available to all staff, faculty and students via 杏吧原创 Central. This new approach improves how chosen first names are managed and displayed, providing a streamlined mechanism for individuals to specify their chosen first name for use across university systems and communications platforms.

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In honour of 杏吧原创 faculty, staff and students gathered for a thought-provoking discussion on Black flourishing in Canada. The event, Breaking Free from the Past and Advancing Black Flourishing in Canada: Some Reflections, featured an insightful conversation between 杏吧原创 President Wisdom Tettey and Prof. Adrian Harewood (Journalism and Communication). Together they explored systemic inequities, institutional accountability and the importance of empowerment within Black communities.

The afternoon opened with a powerful performance by the 杏吧原创 Music West African Rhythm Ensemble, led by Prof. Kathy Armstrong (Music; African Studies). The ensemble invoked the spirit of the gathering with the rhythmic resonance of gankogui bells鈥攖raditional West African iron bells used to unify and energize ceremonies.

鈥淲e were so pleased to be invited to open this important event and to warmly welcome President Tettey with music and dance. The sounds of traditional drums and bells from Ghana, played by current 杏吧原创 students, speak powerfully to both the past and future,鈥� said Armstrong.

Following the performance, Prof. Nduka Otiono (African Studies), welcomed the audience and thanked the ensemble for their inspiring introduction. He then invited President Tettey to share his reflections on Black flourishing. Tettey鈥檚 insightful opening remarks set the stage for an engaging and candid dialogue with Harewood.

Harewood launched the discussion with a pressing concern: skepticism toward institutional commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI). He pointed to the performative nature of many initiatives where programs are underfunded or dismantled just as they begin to make an impact. 鈥淢ake the case,鈥� Harewood challenged, asking why those who have seen the failures of institutional promises should believe that real change is possible.

President Tettey acknowledged this skepticism, emphasizing that EDI must be at the core of an institution鈥檚 mission rather than treated as an afterthought. 鈥淚f it鈥檚 core to the mission, then defunding it means defunding the mission itself,鈥� he said. Tettey stressed that true progress requires accountability at every level, from the university鈥檚 Board of Governors to individual hiring decisions. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not one person鈥檚 responsibility鈥攊t鈥檚 a collective effort,鈥� he emphasized.

The conversation also highlighted the importance of historical context, with Harewood reflecting on Carter G. Woodson, the founder of Black History Month. 鈥淚n some ways, he was a pioneer of EDI before it was even a thing,鈥� Harewood noted. Tettey built on this, addressing young Black students who may feel alienated in academic spaces. His message was one of empowerment: 鈥淵ou are capable,鈥� he said. 鈥淒o not imbibe the notion that you don鈥檛 belong here.鈥�

Tettey emphasized the responsibility of institutions and individuals to create environments where Black students and professionals can thrive. 鈥淟et鈥檚 feed them with the power of imagination, the belief in self and a commitment to being as competitive as possible,鈥� he urged.

The event concluded with a reminder of the moral imperative to uplift others. Quoting Nobel Prize laureate Toni Morrison, Harewood reinforced the idea that those in positions of power must use their influence to free others. Tettey agreed, emphasizing that fostering inclusion benefits everyone stressing that true fulfillment comes from lifting others. 鈥淭he height of human fulfillment is making an impact that extends beyond oneself,鈥� he said. Tettey encouraged institutions to embed inclusion into their culture so that it outlives individuals and leadership changes. 鈥淚f we all say this is the core of who we are, then the people will hold us accountable.鈥�

杏吧原创鈥檚 Black History Month events continue to foster meaningful discussions on equity, representation and the shared responsibility of building a more inclusive future. The University remains committed to addressing anti-Black racism and advancing Black inclusion continues to be a priority. As part of this effort, 杏吧原创 is among almost 60 institutions across Canada that have signed and endorsed the Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Canadian Higher Education, reinforcing its dedication to creating lasting, meaningful change.

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Throughout 2023, 杏吧原创鈥檚 Department of Equity and Inclusive Communities hosted an EDI speaker series which was funded by the Canada Research Chairs Program EDI Stipend. The four-part series focused on the topics of inclusive approaches to hiring, equity-driven retention and support practices, equity-driven approaches to demographic data collection, and fostering a sense of belonging in higher education.The speaker series brought prominent EDI experts to 杏吧原创 to initiate conversations among the 杏吧原创 community, challenging faculty and staff to think critically about EDI, particularly as these principles relate to recruitment and hiring processes. Each speaker provided important context and background for understanding critical EDI-related issues in higher education, as well as tangible steps for cultivating an equitable and inclusive community at 杏吧原创.

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杏吧原创 University鈥檚  are starting the fall term strong thanks to Champions for Change 鈥� a training program that empowers student athletes to be catalysts for good against sexual violence. From August 15-17, students representing all 13 of 杏吧原创鈥檚 varsity teams participated in three days of workshops and activities.

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