In honor of the one-year anniversary of their in-person office, we reviewed the journey of the Black Student Success Centre, from their launch to some of their current initiatives and services.
As of this February, the Black Student Success Centre has been open in-person for one year. In this time, they have organized numerous events, administered mental health services and worked to foster an open community gathering space for Black students.
The BSSC is an MSU service that launched in 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Opening virtually at first, the BSSC transitioned to in-person services on Feb. 7, 2022. The one-year anniversary of their in-person office, located in PGCLL, occurred during this past Black History Month.
The centre was first created in response to discussions surrounding Black student experiences, as well as a notable review released in 2020 discussing anti-Black racism within McMaster University’s student athlete community.
Some of the services and resources offered by the BSSC include mental health and wellness support, financial literacy workshops and community building initiatives.
In a conversation with The Silhouette, BSSC Program Support Assistant Toluwalase Dayo-Olaide explained that the centre fulfills an important need for a community hub, which Black students at McMaster were previously missing.
“There was never any central hub for [Black students] to meet other Black students. I didn't even know Mac really had any Black students. So, coming in and seeing people, connecting with people, having this space, I think it's something that incoming students are really going to benefit from,” said Dayo-Olaide.
“There was never any central hub for [Black students] to meet other Black students. I didn't even know Mac really had any Black students. So, coming in and seeing people, connecting with people, having this space, I think it's something that incoming students are really going to benefit from,”
Toluwalase Dayo-Olaide, BSSC Program Support Assistant
Dayo-Olaide explained that the transition into an in-person space for the BSSC has been a catalyst for fostering community among Black students. Dayo-Olaide explained how the barriers of online services make it difficult for students to build trust and become comfortable to openly share experiences.
“You wouldn't be able to have those long, nice conversations, those spontaneous conversations online … I feel like the in-person space just makes people feel more connected to something tangible. I want to walk in there, sit down and feel like I'm part of a community,” said Dayo-Olaide
Dayo-Olaide has been with the BSSC since October 2022 and has watched the centre grow and continue to reach more students. Dayo-Olaide explained that one of the most notable points of growth he has noticed is the increased presence of Black men, where the centre had previously mostly seen female students utilize their services.
Dayo-Olaide explained that the BSSC’s 2022 Empowered program aimed to bring together Black men on campus, including undergraduate students, graduate students, professors and staff, to provide a secure space and to foster open conversations regarding stigma, stereotypes and wellness.
“There's this stigma or stereotype about Black men and sometimes stereotypes will force you to conform to them. [The Empowered program] was a wellness support for people to be able to come in and be open about themselves, the things they face and get advice from people that are above you … We were creating a safe space for the guys on campus,” said Dayo-Olaide
Toluwalase Dayo-Olaide, BSSC Program Support Assistant
“There's this stigma or stereotype about Black men and sometimes stereotypes will force you to conform to them. [The Empowered program] was a wellness support for people to be able to come in and be open about themselves, the things they face and get advice from people that are above you … We were creating a safe space for the guys on campus,”
The BSSC is located in PGCLL room M07, and they continue to provide virtual and in-person services. More information for accessing these services is available on the BSSC website.
The McMaster Athletics and Recreation department organizes in- game events to highlight the importance of Black History Month
Observance of Black History Month holds great significance globally, and in Canada, it is observed in February to pay tribute to the contributions of Black communities across the country. This celebration presents a unique opportunity for people to acquaint themselves with captivating stories accounts of Black history.
Albeit the thorough controversies surrounding the university and their treatment of Black athletes over the years, McMaster University sports community took time this month to reflect and uplift the Black voices and stories. The Athletics and Recreation department organized a range of events such as in-game occasions to celebrate the month and to honor its Black athletes across all sports.
On Feb. 1st, the Marauders cited that “With a focus on Black Excellence: Maintaining the Momentum, McMaster will kick off the month with a day-long Black Expo in the Student Centre atrium”.
At the beginning of the month, it was announced that there would be a couple Black History Month games across the department, with various varsity teams participating. The objective of these games would be to promote the cause and provide McMaster clubs with the opportunity to host booths during half time intervals. On Friday, Feb. 3, the men's and women’s volleyball teams started off the first two games for the event.
In an impressive display of athleticism, the men's volleyball team dominated their opponents, the Royal Military College Paladins, with a resounding victory of three sets to none (25-16, 25-8, 25-6). This win added to their already impeccable record of 15 consecutive OUA wins at the time.
The women's volleyball team also shone in their game against the same opponents, achieving another sweep to cap off the first two games of the Black History Month event. Both teams showcased their strength and skill, leaving fans in awe of their performance.
For the second set of games, the maroon colors were defended with pride by the men's and women's basketball teams as they took on the Waterloo Warriors. The men's team proved their mettle on Feb. 17 with a decisive 83-64 win, further solidifying their position in the OUA table.
The women's team followed suit with an impressive 81-61 victory, concluding the highly successful Black History Month games that took place on campus. Fans were excited by the teams' displays of skill and teamwork and the university community rejoiced in the celebration of Black excellence and culture.
In addition to the games taking place, the Athletics and Recreation department partnered up with the Black Student Athlete Council to create space for various clubs such as Mac Africans, Black Space, MACaws to host stands at the game settings and promote the event.
Just like every other year, the McMaster athletic community did not miss out on the chance to honor Black athletes and their accomplishments throughout the campus. In addition to publicizing the observance and paying tribute to the athletes, the Athletics and Recreation Department enticed the student community to the events around campus by hosting four different Black History Month games, whilst providing an opportunity for different clubs to take part in the initiative with their booths at the games.
After the scandalous controversies that were surrounding the sports scene at McMaster with allegations of racism among other problems, this is the least that the Marauders can do for their Black students in their path to corrective action.
C/O Jessica Yang
By: Nethra Wickramasinghe
A safe space for Black women to empower each other and build community
Blackspace is a student-run organization at McMaster University aimed at fostering the empowerment and collaboration of undergraduate students who identify as Black women. The group consists of over twenty-five members and has an expansive alumni network dating back to the organization’s initiation in 2019.
Within the club, students are able to join a safe space to discuss issues pertinent to the Black community, taken from a female-centralized perspective.
Blackspace co-presidents Zainab Salami and Nana-Afia Agyeipah aim to fulfill the organization’s mission of connecting Black students, despite the challenges presented with COVID-19.
Salami, a third-year student in the life science program and Agyeipah, a fourth-year honours life science student, are passionate about welcoming first-year students and helping ease their transition to university life.
In response to the restrictions imposed by the advance of COVID-19 in 2020, this year, the organization had pivoted to an online format, with virtual events held over Zoom and Facebook live.
On Feb. 9, Blackspace held its second general meeting via Zoom to allow members to reconnect and discuss plans for the remainder of the term.
In the past, the organization has held initiatives such as the Black Business Space event, which allowed students to connect with Black-owned businesses.
The group has also held an academic panel discussion, Workspace, which allowed Black professionals in the arts, business and science industries to speak to students about their achievements and career paths.
Salami and Agyeipah both stress the importance of showing undergraduate students success stories of Black women and building community on a smaller, close-knit scale.
“It’s so rewarding to be supported by other women and knowing that we’re working towards something bigger. Seeing other women succeed, I think, I can do it too,” said Agyeipah.
“It’s so rewarding to be supported by other women and knowing that we’re working towards something bigger. Seeing other women succeed, I think, I can do it too."
Nana-Afia Agyeipah, Co-President of Blackspace
Seeing representation in undergraduate studies allows students to enter a community where their experiences and voices are validated, and their opinions are heard. Fostering a community is essential for undergraduate students, both co-presidents expressed, especially when the majority of students surrounding you neither look like you nor share your experiences.
Salami attributes the importance of this sense of solidarity to the broader context of education.
“A large determinant of academic success is social support,” said Salami.
“A large determinant of academic success is social support."
Zainab Salami, Co-president of blackspace
Not only does this foster more robust academic success, but it also creates a ripple effect in uplifting a greater population of BIPOC students, creating a university environment that supports diversity, and values the distinct perspectives of all students.
In recognition of Black History Month, Blackspace held an event that took place on Feb. 28 on Zoom.
At this event, Blackspace facilitated discussions focused on the mental health of Black women and non-binary members of the Black community. This includes topics such as pretty privilege, colourism and texturism.
The event also included a raffle draw with prizes such as a Google Nest Mini and McMaster Campus Store gift card.
Blackspace is an integral part of McMaster and essential to the promotion of Black female voices and perspectives. By creating a space for undergraduates to see the achievements of fellow Black women and finding solidarity in a safe community, members have the opportunity to explore their potential, both as students and as individuals.
Students are welcome to join Blackspace at any point during the year. Students interested in joining the organization or learning more about upcoming events can contact Blackspace on Twitter, Instagram or email at blkspace@mcmaster.ca.
C/O Ainsley Thurgood, Photo Assistant
After opening up virtually in September, BSSC opened in person for the first time during Black History Month
McMaster’s Black Student Success Centre aims to foster community, success and general well-being among Black students at McMaster. It first opened virtually on Sept. 27 and has been offering services online to Black students since then.
In February of this year, the BSSC opened its in-person services, officially running out of room M07 in the Peter George Centre for Living and Learning. Having an in-person space has allowed the BSSC to continue to grow the ways in which it is able to support Black students.
Jordan Lentinello, the administrative assistant of the BSSC, explained that having an in-person space has been vital for community building, which is one of the main goals of the BSSC.
“[You can] technically build community online and we've seen that happen time and time again, but it just feels different when it's in person,” said Lentinello.
“[You can] technically build community online and we've seen that happen time and time again, but it just feels different when it's in person."
Jordan Lentinello, Adminstrative Assistant of the BSSC
Lentinello added that online communities, while still beneficial, can make people experience screen fatigue and cannot always combat feelings of isolation. In contrast, the physical space strengthens the community experience and allows students to form friendships naturally. As well, the new in-person component of the BSSC makes it more accessible to students.
“So many folks are quite literally dropping in, discovering this space through word of mouth, which we've been really excited about,” said Lentinello.
Lentinello stressed that the BSSC is a student-driven space that is built to last, even as its current participants graduate and new students become part of it. This, Lentinello said, sets the BSSC apart from student groups on campus, which may be able to offer support for a period of time but may also struggle with continuity.
Lentinello stressed that the BSSC is a student-driven space that is built to last, even as its current participants graduate and new students become part of it.
According to Lentinello, having a space that is built to last is vital for fostering the success and well-being of Black students at McMaster.
“This creates consistency, this creates legacy and this creates a tangible impact and dedication to the success of the Black students,” said Lentinello.
“This creates consistency, this creates legacy and this creates a tangible impact and dedication to the success of the Black students."
Jordan Lentinello, Adminstrative Assistant of the BSSC
The BSSC is currently running a number of mental health related sessions, such as Black student athlete check-ins and Black student peer support services. More information about how to access these services can be found here.
C/O Enokson, Flickr
McMaster athletics kirks off their events and awareness campaigns to honour black history month
Every February in Canada, people participate in Black History Month events and festivities to celebrate and honor the legacy of Black Canadians and their communities. McMaster also took the time to partake in these activities, as did the Marauders.
The Marauders organized many different events and initiatives, including a basketball game dedicated to the cause and advocacy posts on social media.
The Marauders posted quotes from Black Canadian leaders, such as Masai Ujiri, the President of Toronto Raptors and Jean Augustine, the first Black woman elected in parliament.
Additionally, the McMaster Black Student Athlete Council organized a special panel that is dedicated to the Black community in which Hamilton legends shared their experiences within sport and the way they navigated throughout their careers.
Given past reports of anti-Black racism in McMaster athletics, it is an important step for the Marauders to honour Black athletes that have inspired and influenced the sporting community.
Conversations at Mac Athletics about Black History Month and beyond
Graphic by Sybil Simpson, Production Editor
In November 2020, McMaster University and the athletics department announced a five-point action plan addressing anti-Black racism, stemming from the numerous allegations of racism in the athletics department. The action plan included a variety of components, such as financial awards for Black student-athletes and paid internships for recent Black graduates.
With that being said, many Black students feel there is a disconnect Black student-athletes and non-athletes, as Cheikh Tchouambou, a third-year McMaster men’s soccer player, explained. During last month’s Black History Month initiatives, a specific event Tchouambou helped moderate — Bridging the Gap — explored this disconnect and aimed to alleviate differences.
“It was a perception that we [Black student-athletes] were staying quiet because of privilege, and we want to change that,” said Tchouambou.
Bridging the Gap facilitated discussion focused around understanding each others’ perspectives and holding departments and the university accountable.
“I still think students look up to the athletics department and athletes . . . if we are fighting this racial inequality on two fronts, can we as athletes push the department to be a professional example and get other departments to follow,” said Tchouambou.
“I still think students look up to the athletics department and athletes . . . if we are fighting this racial inequality on two fronts, can we as athletes push the department to be a professional example and get other departments to follow,” said Tchouambou.
From a broader perspective, professional athletes are seen as role models for youth, as seen as using their platform for social causes such as voter registration. On a smaller scale, Tchouambou looks up to his fellow community members, but also believes the youth look up to local athletes, such as those at McMaster.
For the youth, Tchouambou wants to change the narrative for lower socioeconomic students such that their post-secondary options are not only in the field of arts, music, athletics or employment.
“Let’s make being a doctor cool, let’s make being an engineer cool . . . Let’s make student-athletes cool, but mainly the student part,” said Tchouambou.
Tchouambou explained that as a Black student, the duality of parental pressure and schools not believing in you, where stereotypes are thrown around on how you talk and dress.
“People don’t understand it creates doubt in your subconscious,” said Tchouambou.
The student-athlete is also involved with Black Aspiring Physicians of McMaster. He aims to address these accessibility barriers for future students by providing them with mentorship and assisting them with job opportunities.
“This gives future students the space to succeed without feeling imposter syndrome, anxieties of not being there and microaggressions from peers, teammates and teachers,” explained Tchouambou.
“This gives future students the space to succeed without feeling imposter syndrome, anxieties of not being there and microaggressions from peers, teammates and teachers,” explained Tchouambou.
As a Black student in the Bachelor of Health Sciences program, Tchouambou understands that representation in healthcare is important; however, the lack thereof leads to disproportionate health impacts among races. Through his involvement in BAP-MAC as a vice-president, Tchouambou takes a significant role in providing avenues to streamline Black students into healthcare professionals.
“We grow up as kids dreaming of changing the world. That's virtually impossible; we should be changing our reality and circles instead. If everyone does that, imagine what change would happen in the world,” said Tchouambou.
With Black History Month concluding at the end of February, Tchouambou still feels like there is a long way to go.
“BHM was entertaining, but I always wondered why the onus on making BHM a good month is only on Black clubs,” asked Tchouambou.
He further detailed that this appreciation continues next year, but with improvement, as it is never satisfactory.
With that being said, he notes a lack of minority representation on McMaster sports teams. By having adequate representation, less microaggressions will be learned as players are in an environment that is socially acceptable and equitable for all.
Tchouambou calls on McMaster to support their Black students with simple advocacy.
“How can you fix yesterday’s wrong today. It will never be perfect, but as students, we should always hold our schools accountable and stay committed to social issues . . . There’s always more to go; it’s a dynamic process,” said Tchouambou.
Engaging and exciting events taking this month for students to explore
C/O @BHMatMac
Black History Month is an opportunity for conversation and to delve into parts of history that are often overlooked by many in Canada. It is also a chance to celebrate Black cultures and communities. The following is a list of events, all occurring virtually, taking place over the course of the next month.
FEB. 7 – FEB. 13
Black History Month Speakers Series —Day One Tues. Feb. 9, 7-8:30 p.m. ESTHosted by Ontario Black History Society, the first event of this series will feature film director and author Cheryl Foggo and author Lawrence Hill. This event is open to everyone in the community. Further information and registration details can be found here.
Black Muslim Jeopardy Night Thurs. Feb. 11, 6–7:30 p.m. EST
Hosted by the Muslim Student Association’s Anti-Black Racism Committee and McMaster’s Muslims for Peace and Justice, this exciting and engaging game night offers Black Muslim students the chance to connect with one another. Please note this event is closed to Black Muslim students. Further event details can be found here.
Relationship Summit Thurs. Feb. 11, 8:30–10 p.m. EST
Nu Omega Zeta, McMaster University’s first Black-focused sorority, hosts their annual Relationship Summit. The theme of this year’s event is “Love or Lust?”. The discussion will explore topics including the realities and complexities of modern love, black love and self-love in today’s society among others.
Please note this event is closed to racialized and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Colour) students. Further details and registration information can be found here.
Noon Hour Concerts: Jackie Washington Day Fri. Feb. 12, 12-1 p.m. EST
Part of HPL’s Noon Hour Concerts series, this event features LTtheMonk, Santiago Rozo-Paz, Cam Watson and Lucas Hibbs in a celebration of multi-award winning Hamilton blues musician Jackie Washington. This event is open to all community members. Further information and registration details can be found here.
FEB. 14 – FEB. 20
The Real Truth: Black History in Islam Wed. Feb. 17, 7-8:00 p.m. EST
Hosted by the Muslim Student Association’s Anti-Racism Team, this event explores the often overlooked history of Black Muslims in Islam and hopes to create opportunities for important conversations. This event is open to everyone in the community. Further information and registration details can be found here.
Guest Speaker: Mario Rigby Thurs. Feb. 18, 1–2:00 p.m. EST
In an event hosted by the Hamilton Public Library and the Black History Month Committee of Hamilton, adventurer and author Mario Rigby shares stories about his travels. The presentation will be followed by a question and answer period. This event is open to everyone in the community. Further details and registration information can be found here.
Black History Month Speakers Series —Day Two Thurs. Feb. 18, 7–8:30 p.m. EST
The second day of the OBHS’ Black History Month Speaker Series. In this event, historians and curators from Black Historic Heritage sites will speak about their respective heritage sites and museums. This event is open to everyone in the community. Further information and registration details can be found here.
FEB. 21 – FEB. 27
Black History Month Speakers Series —Day Three Tues. Feb. 23, 7-8:30 p.m. EST
The third day of the OBHS’ Black History Month speaker series. This event will feature storytellers Sandra Whiting and Kesha Christie. This event is open to everyone in the community. Further information and registration details can be found here.
Sharlene Mollett– Tourism Troubles: Feminist political ecologies of land and body in the making of residential tourism space in Panama Wed. Feb. 24, 4-5:00 p.m. EST
University of Toronto human geography professor Sharlene Mollet’s talk will focus on Afro-Panamanian women’s participation in Bocas’ tourism enclave. For further details and registration information please reach out to ees@mcmaster.ca or narrora@mcmaster.ca.
Author-Led Online Book Club with Jael Richardson Fri. Feb. 26, 1-2:00 p.m. EST
Hosted by HPL, author Jael Richardson leads a discussion about her book Gutter Child. Gutter Child is set in a world where society is divided into the two groups: the privileged Mainland and the policed Gutter. Part of the Gutter, Elimina Dubois is one of 100 babies taken to be raised in the Mainland in a social experiment led by the Mainland government. This event is open to the community.
Further details and registration information can be found here.
Feb. 28 is the last day of February. That also means it is the last day of Black History Month and the McMaster Athletic Department has yet to do anything to celebrate it. We saw a number of different causes celebrated at games throughout February; #BellLetsTalk, Chinese New Year and a Pride Game to celebrate the LGBTQA2S+ community. But there has been nothing to celebrate BHM and Black student-athletes and that needs to change.
Almost every major McMaster team has at least one Black athlete. Some teams, like the men’s basketball team and the men’s football team have many more. Celebrating Black history month is acknowledging Black history, and Black athletes should be included in that celebration, given their contributions to Mac’s sports history.
Given everything Black Canadians have endured, the least we can do is acknowledge them. It was not that long ago when Black and white athletes were not allowed to play together, so for them to be able to have come this far and add significant contributions to sports is something worth celebrating.
Though we have not seen much from Marauder Nation, we do appreciate what the Equity and Inclusion Office has done this month to celebrate Black history at McMaster. A number of discussions have been held this month dealing with topics like Black Lives Matter and Blackness and Academia, as well as weekly movie screenings featuring Black centered films. And to wrap it all up they will be hosting the second annual Maroon in Black formal to celebrate the Black McMaster community. But these initiatives do not always reach the audience in the sports community, so it’s important we bring it to them.
Asking for the McMaster Athletic Department to celebrate BHM is not asking them to take away from all the other amazing causes they celebrate in the month of February, but to simply include them too. Whether it is through a t-shirt design like we saw done with Chinese New Year, or a panel discussion featuring Black student-athletes where they can share their experiences like we saw with #BellLetsTalk, or something else that is completely original and creative. As long as there is an effort being made, it will be appreciated.
Sahra Soudi sat patiently during our interview, wringing their hands every now and then as they processed the weight and excitement of the days to come.
Golden earrings that took shape of a hand dangled from their ears as they talked. The earrings were a gift from a friend and were crafted specifically for Black women, carrying their strength and magic. Soudi wore them hoping to gain that strength, power and light.
The third year Multimedia student is getting ready for their first curated show at HAVN, the Hamilton Audio/Visual Node gallery and workspace on Barton Street, this coming weekend. The three-day exhibition is a long time coming for Soudi, and was bred out of wanting and needing to create an artistic space that celebrates Black identities.
Apprehensive about having their own solo show, Soudi turned to the support of the HAVN community, as well as COBRA, the Coalition of Black and Racialized Artists, to put together the Can I Kick It? Yes, You Can group show.
Despite taking place during Black History Month, the show not only celebrates Black history, but makes a conscious effort to address and celebrate Black futures.
“I want to get people to move away from thinking about 'oh we only need to celebrate our history’. Not everyone can do that, especially because it's really hard. With the future aspect I also wanted to explore Afrofuturism,” explained Soudi.
Afrofuturism is a philosophy of science and history that combines elements of science fiction, Afrocentrism, and fantasy to critique and revisit historical and present-day issues and oppressive systems that the Black community faces.
“Some of the themes that [the exhibit] puts out there is exploring the relationship between Black bodies and space, [as well as] performing unapologetic Blackness, and doing away with systems of power that have been historically oppressive to not only Black people but also Black artists,” explained Soudi.
Can I Kick It? Yes, You Can will feature the artwork of Destiny de Kock, Stylo Starr, Sam Carter-Shamai, Anthony Haley, Magda Uculmana-Falcon, Abbey Adiekum, Isa Ben, Ismail Alkashim, Jamie Milay, Melissa Charles, and Ebassa Dugassa.
One painting in particular will explore institutional and systemic racism in terms of police brutality. Soudi hopes the piece will confront the audience and initiate conversation within the art space as a means to confronting systemic inequalities.
“Blackness is something that is always politicized even when you're not trying to. A few of the submissions that I have [are trying to] move away from being politicized and reclaiming those identities [by gaining] control over what [they're] sharing. A lot of it is celebrating those identities,” explained Soudi.
Can I Kick It? Yes, You Can will also include some of Soudi’s own pieces celebrating prominent figures in the Black community and activists. Angela Davis and Assata Shakur are two women that have strongly influenced Soudi’s community organizing and activism, and now their art.
The show will also include photography that highlights the beauty of Black people and a video installation that celebrates identities. Friday night will open with much anticipated performances by DJ Judah Jump with Joanna Joanna, Shanika Maria, Kojo Damptey and Emay.
“I'm just really excited because these performances are inherently unapologetic, they're fun and loud. I think it's really cool that people can come to a space for that... I want people to be able to come out who don't normally go see art shows because they don't see themselves represented,” said Soudi.
Soudi also hopes that the show will encourage the art community to continue carving out spaces for Black artists in Hamilton. They are serving as inspiration for others who want to showcase their own work and curate shows.
“I think it's nice to see someone who isn't entirely sure of them self, still do something that's really important and that sort of changes the structure and formula of like how you are supposed to go about doing things,” explained Soudi.
Curating Can I Kick It? Yes, You Can was a learning experience for Soudi, but HAVN and COBRA have been a constant supportive community and Soudi’s friend, Jamie Milay, always offered a shoulder to lean on.
Throughout this journey Soudi found strength in themselves and paralleled support and resilience in their community.
Can I Kick It? is a question that lingers alongside self-doubt in Soudi’s mind. It’s a question many Black artists ponder on. This exhibition is an affirmation that Yes, You Can carve out spaces, Yes, You Can celebrate and share your identity and Yes, You Can unapologetically express yourself.
Can I Kick It? Yes, You Can will open at HAVN on Friday Feb 16th from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. and during the weekend from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
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