Media releases

• Three-year contract extension for men’s basketball head coach Charles Kissi

  Friday, September 30, 2016 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: R00211 – 29 September 2016
   

  Looking to build off the momentum created on the hardcourt over the past few seasons, Brock Sports has extended the contract of men’s basketball head coach Charles Kissi.

  Brock Sports Director Neil Lumsden made the announcement Thursday that Kissi has accepted a new three-year term. His role will be expanded beyond coaching the men’s team.

  Kissi has been at the helm of the men’s team since 2013, but his new role will see him become the Manager of Basketball Operations, overseeing the development of all aspects of basketball at Brock.

  “From an educational and a fundraising perspective, it’s the sharing of information to develop the game at Brock. We’re on a great trajectory and we want to continue that,” said Lumsden.

  He said Badgers basketball took a big step forward in 2015-16 hosting games at the Meridian Centre in downtown St. Catharines and getting national attention for the men’s and women’s results and the growing fan base.

  “All those things tie in to being able to recruit at a higher level,” Lumsden said. “It’s not just about winning games, it’s not just about playing at the Meridian Centre, and it’s not just about us recruiting young student athletes. It’s all these things combined with great coaching to deliver an outstanding student experience.”

  Kissi said he’s looking forward to the new role.

  “From the program standpoint, I will try to continue to add value to ensure that basketball grows and represents the University well. Every aspect has been elevated year after year. I’m grateful that there are people who recognize the change and want to be part of that,” Kissi said. “I’m looking forward to another historic year for both men’s and women’s basketball.”

  Kissi was named the 2015-16 Brock Badgers Coach of the Year after a thrilling season that saw the men’s team finish off with a 27-11 overall record including wins over nationally ranked McMaster, Windsor and Ryerson. Three players were OUA All-Star selections and one, Dani Elgadi, was a CIS All-Canadian.

  Elgadi is back on the team for the 2016-17 season along with fellow starters Johneil Simpson, Tyler Brown and Ryan Bennett.

  The Badgers men’s team plays exhibition games against Niagara College in Welland Wednesday, Oct. 5 and at home against St. Francis Xavier Thursday, Oct. 6 before heading to Montreal to play in the Concordia tournament on Thanksgiving weekend.

  The first regular season Ontario University Athletics game is at home Nov. 12 against the Toronto Varsity Blues.

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  * Dan Dakin, Media Relations Officer, Brock University ddakin@brocku.ca, 905-688-5550 x5353 or 905-347-1970

  * Shawn Whitely, Sports Information, Brock University swhitely@brocku.ca, 905-688-5550 x4506

   

  Categories: Media releases

• White Privilege Symposium at Brock this weekend

  Friday, September 30, 2016 | By Brock University

  MEDIA ADVISORY: R00209 – 27 September 2016

  Experts will explore race, privilege and social justice at event starting Friday

  White privilege knows no borders, says a world-renowned diversity scholar and founder of the White Privilege Conference.

  Eddie Moore Jr. says that while many in Canada believe prejudice and racism are problems for the U.S., no country is immune to issues of racial inequality and injustice.

  “White supremacy, white privilege and oppression is a global phenomenon,” he says. “It knows no borders.”

  Moore said the way to change the status quo is to expose it, analyze it and take action.

  “I really believe that some of the challenges associated with these issues are a result of not enough people naming it and examining it,” he says.

  The White Privilege Conference has been held in the United States for the past 18 years and for the first time the discussion is coming to Canada. Brock University’s Welch Hall will host the White Privilege Symposium Friday, Sept. 30 and Saturday, Oct. 1.

  “By bringing this symposium to Canada, it’s an opportunity to have some really bold and courageous conversations,” Moore says. “When we are able to share our knowledge, experience and wisdom we can come up with better results.”

  Shauneen Pete, Associate Professor at the University of Regina and Executive Lead on Indigenization of that university, said white privilege is an important conversation in Canada, especially considering its history.

  “The story of Canada is not a story about multiculturalism but a story of colonial white dominance: this truth must become a part of the social narrative we tell about ourselves,” she says. “In order to achieve the dream of reconciliation, members of the dominant group and those new Canadians who align with them, must learn the truths of our racialized past and begin to practice anti-racism in their personal and professional lives.”

  Debby Irving, a racial justice educator and writer, says most people incorrectly associate the term privilege with wealth. It’s a misconception she herself believed for most of her life, until she was a graduate student and a class opened her eyes to the privileges being white had afforded her.

  “In fact, privilege refers to access to rights, resources and other societal benefits,” she says. “One way to think about privilege is as the opposite of discrimination. Discrimination couldn’t exist without privilege, and vise versa.”

  Pre-eminent thinkers and researchers from both sides of the border exploring race, privilege and social justice will be presenting during the event at Brock.

  The following scholars will present keynote talks and workshops at the symposium:
  • Eddie Moore, Jr., founder WPC, community activist and scholar. Keynote title: “White Privilege 101: Getting in on the Conversations,” Friday, Sept. 30 at 6 p.m. See more at: www.eddiemoorejr.com

  • Debby Irving, racial justice educator and writer. Keynote title: “White Privilege 101: Getting in on the Conversations,” Friday, Sept. at 6 p.m. See more at: www.debbyirving.com

  • Afua Cooper, community activist, scholar, dub poet and James R. Johnston Chair in Black Canadian Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax. Keynote title: “Enslaved African Canadian Teenager and White Male Privilege,” Friday Sept. 30, at 6:45 p.m. See more at: http://www.dal.ca/faculty/arts/jrjchair/about/CurrentChai.html

  • Shuaneen Pete, associate professor, Regina University. Keynote title: “Acting Up: Activism and Action,” Friday, Sept. 30 at 7:30 p.m. See more at: http://www.uregina.ca/education/facultystaff/faculty/pete-shauneen.html

  • Jasiri X, mentor, educator and community leader. Keynote title: “America’s Most Wanted: Hip Hop, Media, and Mass Incarceration,” Saturday, Oct. 1  at 1 p.m. See more at: www.jasirix.com

  • Ritu Bhasin, community activist and lawyer. Keynote title: “Breaking the Shackles of Oppression & Addressing Privilege: Rise through the Authenticity Principle.” Saturday, Oct. 1 at 9:30 a.m. See more at: www.bhasinconsulting.com
   
  • Jada Monica Drew, executive diversity & leadership trainer and author. Keynote title: “Building Youth Leadership using the Youth Action Project (YAP) Approach,” Saturday, Oct. 1 at 4 p.m. See more at: www.jadamonicadrew.com

  • Shirley Cheechoo, Brock University Chancellor, actress and filmmaker. Keynote title: “My Road To Healing As A Residential School Warrior,” Saturday, Oct. 1 at 4:45 p.m.

  *NOTE: registration will take place in the main lobby of Welch Hall.

  For more information, to confirm your attendance or assistance arranging interviews:

  * Dan Dakin, Media Relations Officer, Brock University ddakin@brocku.ca, 905-688-5550 x5353 or 905-347-1970

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  Categories: Media releases