Seeing so many Black youth in one space, in a post-secondary space, at StFX, was particularly poignant for Danita Williams, school councillor at Woodlawn High School.
“For me as an educator, to see them ask questions, and to see themselves in this space is so wonderful,” says Ms. Williams, part of a delegation of Black high school students and chaperones 350-people strong who converged on StFX Nov. 8th for Black Excellence Day.
Students came from across the province, from Sydney to Truro, from Guysborough to Halifax to explore StFX during a day-long event that exposed students to academic program offerings, student supports, and campus life.
“I think today was phenomenal,” says StFX education professor and event organizer Dr. Wendy Mackey.
“We need to introduce African Nova Scotia students to the university and let them know this is a place they belong.”
Dr. Mackey said in terms of numbers, African Nova Scotians are among the lowest group of students on campus. “We wanted to make sure African Nova Scotian students know we’re here and that we want their brilliance and their brains at our university.”
Dr. Mackey annually organizes a day for Black high school students, bringing one or two busloads of students to campus. She had an idea to open it up across the province this year and bring everyone for a day. She brought the idea to StFX administration “and it was done without hesitation.” Every department across campus supported the event, she said.
StFX welcomed 310 students and 40 chaperones, the largest number of participants yet.
A SPACE TO FEEL WELCOME
“I appreciated the opportunity and them making a day for Black students,” says Grade 12 student Audrina Borden of Auburn Drive High School.
“To have this opportunity to see the university makes you want to come here and gives us a space to feel welcome and comfortable.”
Ms. Borden says just even seeing the fact that StFX has a Black Student Success Centre is a motivator to come.
Ms. Williams says a priority of her job is helping expose Black youth to post-secondary education, and opportunities like this are meaningful. Students were able to apply to StFX while on campus and she said four students from Woodlawn were already accepted to the university during Black Excellence Day.
Several schools travelled from the metro area together, she said, and this helped foster valuable community. “There is lots of connection and networking happening today.”
FELT LIKE UNITY
Halifax West Grade 12 students Oyinda Tugbobo and Feyikemi Rotimi shared similar sentiments.
“It felt like unity,” says Ms. Tugbobo, who is interested in nursing and says she enjoyed seeing the facilities at StFX and the supports for Black students. “It was very informative.”
“The school is beautiful, and I love the supports for students, and I love the atmosphere and how friendly everyone is,” Ms. Rotimi said. “It’s a nice experience all around.”
Grade 11 student Princess Chidi-Adibe of Sydney Academy says it felt special to see a lot of people from the same community all touring the university. She said she really liked seeing the facilities and is considering StFX for post-secondary.
Marilyn Jones-McNeil, coordinator of African Canadian Education Services with Cape Breton Victoria Regional Centre for Education, says it was a great day. The students enjoyed touring campus and meeting other students. Seeing Black faculty also had an impact.
“We’re so happy you came today,” Dr. Mackey said to start the morning as she welcomed everyone during an orientation and information centre in the Keating Centre.
Throughout the day, students attended an academic and student services showcase with an opportunity to speak with StFX deans, faculty, and staff. They toured campus, seeing what it’s like to live and learn at StFX with stops to see classrooms, residences, athletic facilities and other supports like the Black Student Success Centre, the Dr. Agnes Calliste Academic and Cultural Centre. Students ended the day with a meal at Morrison Hall, the main student cafeteria.
Dr. Mackey, who told the students about her own educational journey to StFX, said it is her mission that students know the opportunities they have and that they know StFX welcomes them. “If you come to StFX, you will see you will not be alone.”
VOICE OF BLACK SCHOLARS
During the morning session, current StFX students Stacey Desmond, Marcus Upshaw, Keyonte Beals, and Janelle Colley welcomed students and gave firsthand reflections on both StFX and the supports it offers.
“This is a really good spot,” said Mr. Upshaw who graduated last year with a double major in marketing and economics and is now in StFX’s education program. He also played with X-Men basketball.
Like his fellow student speakers, Mr. Upshaw advised the students to take advantage of the supports StFX offers, noting they were great for his own educational journey. “It meant a lot when I had people showing interest in my journey.”
PRESIDENT’S WELCOME
StFX President Dr. Andy Hakin, who had to be away from campus, sent video greetings. He told the students how excited StFX is to have them on campus.
StFX values diversity, equity, and inclusion, he said, and each student brings their own unique experiences and talents, which helps shape and enhance the university.
At StFX, we want to see you flourish academically and thrive personally, he said. “We are excited about helping you achieve everything that you are capable of.”
