Niagara College Student Administrative Council (NCSAC) club, the Black Student Association (BSA), recently marked a significant milestone with a rebranding initiative revealed during Black History Month festivities in February. Formerly known as the Afro-Caribbean Association, the club announced its new identity at the Black History Month Party! Rep Your Flag Edition on February 16.
President of the Black Student Association, Grace Stanley and President Sean Kennedy showcasing the new club logo at the Black History Month party on February 16.
The event, a collaboration between NCSAC, International, and the BSA, took place in The Core at the Welland Campus, offering a vibrant celebration of culture with a Jamaican and African-inspired dinner menu, live music by DJs DeeBoy and Blanko and lots of dancing. The event, attended by over 200 people, served as the perfect opportunity to introduce the club’s new brand and logo. President Sean Kennedy also attended the event showing his support and joining in on the celebration with students for Black History Month.
Inspired by a desire to enhance inclusivity and a sense of belonging, BSA President and founder Grace Stanley initiated the rebrand after noticing that some Black students felt left out of previous events due to the club’s initial focus on African and Caribbean identities.
Natasha Bell, founder of Black Owned 905 and Samah Sabra, Director, EDI and Accessibility at the Black Owned 905 pop-up market on February 22.
“By incorporating ‘Black students’ into the club’s name, I aimed to include all members of our diverse community,” said Stanley. “Through this rebrand, my hope is for all Black students at NC to feel welcome in the club and to reach greater engagement and outreach across our campuses.”
Arriving in Canada in September 2021, Stanley established the club in September 2022, driven by a sincere passion to support Black students and create a safe environment for them to thrive and adapt.
“For Black individuals new to our country, it can be difficult to adjust and meet new people, but when they encounter familiar faces and spaces to celebrate their culture, they feel a sense of belonging and are more inclined to engage with others,” said Stanley. “Through the club, I’ve seen people build lifelong connections and friendships, and I believe this rebrand will bring together new students and add to our growing club community.”
Since the club’s first event which only gathered nine attendees, the BSA now proudly has a membership of over 500 students across both campuses.
The Black History Month Party was one of several events held throughout the College’s Black History Month celebrations in February, themed “Black Excellence: A heritage to celebrate, a future to build.” Highlights included a thought-provoking conversation on February 7 with Lezlie Harper, owner/operator of St. Catharines-based company Niagara Bound Tours, who provided insights into Black Canadian history in the region. NCSAC and Black-Owned 905 also partnered to host a pop-up market on February 22 at the Welland Campus where black vendors sold a variety of locally produced goods.
Looking ahead, the Black Student Association, in collaboration with Human Resources, is set to host a Black Student Voices Panel on March 20. The panel discussion will spotlight the unique experiences of Black students, inviting the NC community to reflect on collective efforts to foster a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.
Through its rebranding efforts and dynamic programming, the Black Student Association continues to play a pivotal role in championing equity, diversity, and inclusivity at Niagara College, enriching the educational experience for all students.
