91ε Black Excellence
Why do we need to focus on Black Excellence at 91ε?
Black Excellence initiatives at 91ε celebrate the achievements of Black community members, all while recognizing their power, brilliance and resilience in the face of countless systemic barriers. This work embodies 91ε’s values of equity, diversity, and inclusion as an integral component of the fabric of the university.
In 2020, the Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion (OVPECI) published the university’s (PDF file) Anti-Black Racism Campus Climate Review Report, outlining the real-life experiences of Black students, faculty and staff at 91ε, and the ways that the 91ε community can come together to disrupt and dismantle anti-Black racism on campus.
A way to create space with fellow Black community members
Black Excellence initiatives aim to not only provide a meaningful space for Black students, faculty and staff to celebrate their successes, but also provide:
- A multi-generational network between Black students, faculty, staff, and alumni at 91ε.
- A platform to amplify the voices of Black students at 91ε.
- Inspiration, empowerment and encouragement for prospective incoming students, and current Black students at 91ε.
- A visible presence for equity, diversity and inclusion values at 91ε.
- A platform to communicate upcoming initiatives, programming, and opportunities to Black community members.