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Education

Black Brilliance 

                    

 

African, Caribbean, and Black-identifying (ACBi) students are often discouraged by the lack of representation within the education system and post-secondary institutions. The Black Brilliance Elementary Conference seeks to address this by introducing ACBi students to higher education opportunities and environments at an early age. The goal is that they see themselves present and represented in academic spaces and that the belief that they belong in the space is instilled at a younger age.

The objective of the conference is to create an affinity space for ACBi students. They will engage in motivational talks led by members of the ACBi community, and they have an opportunity to talk about their lived experiences in schools.

Key stakeholders include 300+ students from 45 schools across the Waterloo Region; the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) department of the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB); and ACBi students from Wilfrid Laurier University, who will be trained as event assistants to help facilitate the event.

 

Stakeholders include:

  • ACBi Elementary Students – Primary beneficiaries of the conference.
  • Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB)—The Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) department.
  • Parents and Guardians—Support system for students and potential participants in follow-up engagement.
  • ACBi University Students (e.g., from Laurier)—trained as event assistants and role models.
  • School Administrators and Educators—From the 45 participating schools.
  • Community leaders and ACBi faculty from Laurier—speakers and mentors.

 

EDI commitments addressed

An objective of Laurier Strategic Action Plan: 2024-2028 is to “Attract and admit students who have the potential to succeed academically who do not have the traditional high school markers associated with university-level success.” The Black Brilliance conference supports this objective by addressing the following challenges faced by ACBi students:

  • Lack of Representation: ACBi students often do not see themselves reflected in educators, curricula, or leadership roles.
  • Belonging and Identity: Many ACBi students feel isolated or marginalized in predominantly white educational spaces. Implicit bias and systemic racism can affect student outcomes and self-perception.
  • Early Disengagement: Without early intervention, students may disengage from academic aspirations.
  • Access to Role Models: Limited exposure to successful ACBi professionals and post-secondary students.
  • Cultural Disconnect: Curricula and school environments may not affirm or reflect ACBi cultures and histories.


This event would not be possible without the collective efforts of so many individuals and organizations

Organizers

Teneile Warren (WRDSB)

Dr. Karen Cyrus (WLU)

    Black Brilliance Faculty and Facilitators 

2024 2025

Dr. Carol Duncan

Dr. Carol Duncan
Dr. Tedla Desta Dr. Tedla Desta
Dr. Chima Mbagwu Dr. Chima Mbagwu
Reina Stewart Dr. Kevin Burrell
Elizabeth Clarke Dr. Dalon Taylor
Dr. Shaunasea Brown Dr. Oluseyi Sode
Olorunfemi Ogedengbe Ajoa Mintah
Jay-One

Adonijah Mitchell

Sarah Denny

John Ogunsanya

Deanna Yerichuk
John Ogunsanya
Ash Jeffries-Fraser  Dr. Kwashie Kuwor 
Shevaungh Thomas  Reina Stewart 
Alexis Charles  Elizabeth Clarke
Kezia Itaman

 

    Laurier's Planning Teams

2024 2025 2026
Heena Mistry Heena Mistry Aishah Aiwan
Tolu Kayode Humera Javed Deeqa Mussa
Aishah Aiwan Elizabeth Clarke Elizabeth Clarke
Deeqa Mussa 

 

               Laurier's Event Assistants

2025 2026
Afua Ntim-Frimpong
Amarachi Okpalugo
Ayomide Aro
Ayub Faarah
Debbie Akhigbe
Eyasu Ayele
Habtemariam Aseghedom
Itohan Odigie
Alicia Tatham
Jadels Barnwell
Miriam Obaseki
Naomi Ulrica Richards
Olubukunmi Kadri
Omer Elyas

 

Partners and Supporters of Black Brilliance:

  • WLUFA
  • Faculty of Music
  • Dean of Students
  • Kitchener Public Library
  • AVP-EDI
  • Office of the President
  • Laurier’s Black Faculty and Staff Caucus
  • Faculty of Education
  • LCMC

Visit laurieralumni.ca/interior-giving to learn about how you can support Black Brilliance.


 

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