\u201cBlack success has no limits.\u201d<\/p>\n
They\u2019re words Naomi Lawrence says with confidence as she talks about the work and purpose behind Brock University\u2019s newly launched Black Student Success Centre (BSSC).<\/p>\n
The Goodman School of Business student, who is also a student staff member at the centre, believes firmly in its mission to advance and celebrate the achievements of Brock\u2019s Black, African and Caribbean students. She was overjoyed to see the space officially open its doors Thursday, Oct. 26.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have seen the Black Student Success Centre being built from the ground up and it has been such an inspirational experience,\u201d Lawrence says. \u201cIt\u2019s a space where students feel supported, where we feel heard, where we are represented and where we feel safe. We offer support where Black students are around a community of people who look like us and understand us to a deeper level.”<\/p>\n
Located off Market Hall in TH 131, the BSSC strives to support the academic, personal and professional growth and development of Brock\u2019s Black students.<\/p>\n
Led by a dedicated team of professional and student staff, the Centre provides a welcoming and safe space for Black undergraduate and graduate students to gather, make connections and access key supports and services.<\/p>\n
A soft launch saw its doors open in the weeks leading up to Thursday\u2019s ribbon cutting, with the space quickly becoming a popular spot for students to not only seek guidance, but also build community.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn discussions with Brock\u2019s Black, African and Caribbean students, staff, faculty and alumni, we heard the call for resources designed to ensure Black students thrive on campus and beyond,\u201d says Brad Clarke, Associate Vice-President, Students. \u201cThe Black Student Success Centre is a <\/span><\/span><\/span>space<\/span><\/span><\/span> of <\/span><\/span><\/span>mutual <\/span><\/span><\/span>connection and community<\/span><\/span><\/span>–<\/span><\/span><\/span>building<\/span><\/span><\/span>. It is a <\/span><\/span><\/span>place<\/span> of mentorship and leadership<\/span><\/span><\/span> where<\/span><\/span><\/span> students can <\/span><\/span><\/span>guide and<\/span><\/span><\/span> uplift <\/span><\/span><\/span>and help Brock <\/span><\/span><\/span>to <\/span><\/span><\/span>reach our full <\/span><\/span><\/span>collective <\/span><\/span><\/span>potential.”<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Part of Brock\u2019s ongoing commitment to fostering an equitable and inclusive environment for all, the BSSC is rooted in guiding principles of the\u00a0Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Canadian Higher Education<\/a>, which promote Black flourishing, inclusive excellence, mutuality and accountability.<\/p>\n In 2021, Brock joined nearly 50 universities and colleges across Canada in\u00a0signing the Charter<\/a>, which identifies\u00a0key barriers to Black inclusion and approaches to responding to them.<\/p>\n The Black Student Success Centre along with the University\u2019s commitment to\u00a0increasing faculty and professional librarian diversity<\/a>\u00a0through the hiring of 12 Black scholars are among the key actions Brock has since taken as part of this meaningful work.<\/p>\n “By empowering students through the Black Student Success Centre, we’re not just shaping their futures, we’re also reshaping the entire campus culture and creating a more inclusive and equitable environment for all,” says Tassia Gabbidon, BSSC Co-ordinator and Community Counsellor of Anti-Oppression and Justice.<\/span><\/p>\n “The work we do in the Black Student Success Centre helps many students and will continue to do so for years to come,\u201d says Monique Beauregard, BSSC Co-ordinator and Academic Advisor. \u201cWe are building community, developing skills and offering tailored services that otherwise cannot be accessed anywhere else on campus. This is exciting work to be a part of.”<\/p>\n Along with individual supports offered to students, the BSSC will also provide guidance to Brock\u2019s Black student clubs and organizations, and work to foster opportunities for leadership and collaboration across campus.<\/p>\n The centre also embraces Black-focused community organizations in Niagara and seeks to honour the significant and rich Black history of the region.<\/p>\n For more information on the Black Student Success Centre, visit brocku.ca\/bssc<\/a><\/p>\n