Articles from:July 2020

• Brock to launch Minor in Africana Studies this fall

  Monday, July 27, 2020 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 27 July 2020 – R0117

  Brock University students will have the opportunity to pursue a Minor in Africana Studies in addition to their degrees starting this September.

  The new program, housed in the Faculty of Social Science’s Department of Sociology, is spearheaded by Associate Professor of Sociology Tamari Kitossa, Associate Professor of Modern Languages, Literature and Culture (MLLC) Jean Ntakirutimana and MMLC Lecturer Richard Ndayizigamiye.

  Kitossa says the term ‘Africana’ is a representation of Africans from the continent of Africa as well as the African diaspora in Canada, the U.S., the Caribbean, Latin America, and elsewhere in the world.

  “The program will bring a new and broad perspective in understanding the challenges faced by People of African descent in the diaspora and on the continent, in the aftermath of the transatlantic slavery of Africans in the Americas, as well as the ruthless colonialism and neo-colonial exploitation of Africa by European powers,” says Kitossa.

  The program encompasses three mandatory courses in Sociology in addition to two credits from a broad array of courses offered in various departments and programs.

  Ntakirutimana says the program is being launched at a moment of ongoing historic and global movement for Black lives and transformative social justice.

  “We hope that current broad-spectrum sociopolitical discussions about anti-Blackness will inspire many students — from Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) and from mainstream ethnic groups — to enroll in the program to better understand the issues at stake,” he says.

  The team notes that through the new Canada Caribbean Institute (CCI), Brock has strengthened its international ties with academic institutions from the Caribbean, starting with the University of the West Indies (UWI). It is anticipated that the Minor in Africana Studies and related programs in the Caribbean will enable collaborative projects and learning, such as student exchanges and faculty mobility for teaching and research connected with the CCI.

  Kate Bezanson, Associate Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences and Professor of Sociology, says she’s thrilled the Faculty is “able to provide the home for this overdue specialization.”

  “When the proposal for this new minor came together, I was enthusiastic and delighted to play a small role in facilitating the formal academic planning to put in place the hard work and vision of Drs. Kitossa, Ntakirutimana and Ndyazigamiye,” she says.

  Bezanson adds that the course of study “will equip students with the tools to richly understand the broad and dynamic field of Africana Studies from cultural, historical, theoretical, linguistic, social and policy perspectives, among others.”

  The idea for the minor first ignited nearly a decade ago by a group of faculty and staff, including Kitossa, Ntakirutimana, Ndayizigamiye, retired Director of International Services and Programs Abroad John Kaethler and retired Education Professor Sybil Wilson.

  The program was developed in consultation with other members of the Black community at Brock and in the Niagara region, as well as the Council of Black Organizations in Niagara.

  “Brock University, given its central location in a region that played an extremely important role in the Underground Railroad – also recognized as a World UNESCO site – is well-positioned to play a significant role in reflecting on, teaching and studying the rich contributions of People of African descent,” said Ndayizigamiye.

  The team hopes to add a certificate to the program tailored to activists, advocates and community members, as well as a range of professionals serving BIPOC communities. This would open non-traditional and inclusive opportunities for the community at large to critically analyze and theorize the breadth and depth of the Africana experience in the Niagara region and beyond.

  A long-term goal to help meet the needs of students and the community, says  Ndayizigamiye, is to eventually establish a full Africana Studies program and the endowment of a permanent Chair in Africana Studies.

  “We sincerely hope the new program will thrive and showcase the inter and multidisciplinary nature of our courses and programs, attract more Black students to Brock, enhance opportunities for educational enrichment for current students and the broader community, and, finally, to contribute to a vibrant culture of racial diversity,” says Kitossa.

   

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews: 

  * Dan Dakin, Manager Communications and Media Relations, Brock University [email protected] or 905-347-1970

  – 30 –

  Categories: Media releases

• Brock President to discuss corporate social responsibility in era of Black Lives Matter

  Monday, July 27, 2020 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: 22 July 2020 – R0116

  The Black Lives Matter movement has opened the world’s eyes to the systemic barriers affecting those who are Black, Indigenous and People of Colour. It has already led to some movement and dialogue around advancing change for more inclusion and equity initiatives within society.

  During this time of social movement, what role should corporations play?

  This question will be at the core of a discussion led by Brock University President and Vice-Chancellor Gervan Fearon on Wednesday, July 29 at 11 a.m. as part of the Business Breathers webinar series.

  The free weekly series is facilitated by the Goodman School of Businesses’ Goodman Group and features 30 minutes of live industry and faculty expert-led discussions, followed by a 15-minute question-and-answer period. Topics focus on leadership, management and innovation, as well as the financial and social impacts of trending topics.

  “In periods of significant social change, such as what we are seeing in the U.S. and across the globe with the Black Lives Matter movement, it is important for business leaders to consider the influence of societal changes and the role corporations can play through their corporate social responsibility strategy to foster broader societal values, such as civil rights, equity, diversity and inclusion,” said Fearon.

  The webinar will discuss, among other points, the relationship between corporate social responsibility and human rights; reflections and strategies corporations may consider; and the need for decision makers to move from statements to action.

  “There are expressions of understanding and there are also actions demonstrating an effort towards facilitating and supporting broader social progress and inclusion,” Fearon said. “We have seen corporations and governments impacted by previous social movements, such as the environmental movement, and taken action to address them.”

  Fearon said statements of support from corporations and organizations are important, but they infer a commitment to take action.

  “Corporate social responsibility can be a mechanism for linking expressions of support for equity and inclusion to concrete action that both addresses some of the core issues being brought by the Black Lives Matters movement and allows the organization to reflect its unique value-propositions through the actions it conducts,” he said.

  Last month, Fearon wrote a letter in response to the hundreds of Black Lives Matter protests that took place in the wake of George Floyd’s murder. Brock then announced a series of actions to advance equity and inclusion at the University.

  The Business Breathers webinars are open to everyone, but interested participants are asked to register online. A confirmation email will provide a link to access the webinar.

   

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews: 

  * Dan Dakin, Manager Communications and Media Relations, Brock University [email protected] or 905-347-1970 

  – 30 –

  Categories: Media releases