Brock Sports is kicking off Black History and African Heritage Month with a series of initiatives and events aimed at raising awareness, fostering inclusion and supporting the Black community.

This February, the Badgers will promote social justice and raise funds for the Black or Indigenous Heritage Student-Athlete (BIHS) bursary through the All for Change campaign, which was first introduced in 2023. This bursary helps student-athletes with financial need and is not based on athletic performance.

As part of the campaign, Brock will be donating one dollar from every varsity ticket sold in February to the BIHS bursary.

The campaign aligns with the University’s long-standing commitment to giving back to the community and supporting diversity, said Melissa Krist, Executive Director of Brock Sports and Recreation.

“We’re thrilled to see how the All for Change campaign has evolved. It’s about more than just raising funds; it’s about creating a conversation around systemic inequality, and we hope it will spark continued action toward change,” she said. “It’s a crucial time to acknowledge the progress that has been made and the work that still lies ahead.”

Beginning Saturday, Feb. 1, the Brock men’s and women’s basketball teams will host the Lakehead Thunderwolves in their All For Change games in the Bob Davis Gymnasium. The women’s team will play at 6 p.m. and the men’s team at 8 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase online.

Brock Sports is also collaborating with Justin Bobb, an executive strategist and equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) expert, to develop an EDI program for varsity student-athletes, coaches and staff. Bobb’s leadership in equity initiatives aims to foster a culture of belonging, improve communication skills, prepare athletes for a global impact and enhance advocacy skills.

“We’ve seen so much progress in terms of Black representation in sports, but there’s still more work to be done,” said Willy Manigat, Brock men’s basketball head coach. “Our focus is not just on history but also on fostering a future where all athletes, regardless of background, can thrive and see themselves reflected on the court.”

Brock Sports encourages all teams and students to attend and support the University-wide events throughout the month, with details available on ExperienceBU. This year’s lineup of Brock events and resources includes a Black History Month Community Bash, wellness-focused activities, and a series exploring the history of cultural foods hosted by the Black Students Success Centre.