On March 20, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility and the Black Student Association hosted the Black Student Voices Panel, an initiative aimed at elevating Black student voices at NC. This gathering, held both in-person at the Welland Campus and virtually via Zoom, brought together over 50 attendees to facilitate an open and insightful discussion on how we can improve the College’s inclusivity for Black students.
NC student Mariam Edun providing thoughtful insight around the Black student experience at NC.
Guiding the discussion as the panel moderator was Dawit Eshetu, Professor in the School of Business and Management Studies. The panel featured three NC students: Mariam Edun (International Business Management program), Chimbe Bongabi (Hairstyling program), and Oluwademilade Daniel Noble (Carpentry and Renovation Technician program), who each shared their personal experiences and offered thoughtful suggestions to foster a more welcoming environment at NC. Grace Stanley, NC student and President of the Black Student Association, also delivered closing remarks, expressing gratitude to all participants for their willingness to listen and engage.
“I commend the students for their open, intentional, and courageous remarks,” said Eshetu. “They showed great commitment to creating a more inclusive space for Black students. Since they are all international students, their issues are reflective of those that many international students face, which is a reminder that students’ challenges have layers.”
President Sean Kennedy, who joined virtually, welcomed, and thanked panelists for their time and commitment to providing insightful suggestions and feedback on the panel.
“We’re on a learning journey together and today’s panel is a testament to our ongoing commitment to listen, to learn and to put into action ways of furthering the welcoming and inclusive environment we want to continually improve and strive for at NC,” said Kennedy.
NC student and President of the Black Student Association Grace Stanley providing closing remarks at the panel event.
Panelists kicked off the discussion by reflecting on NCSAC’s current efforts to enhance the Black student experience and provided insights into how staff, faculty, and the wider College community can support Black students. They highlighted the importance of raising awareness about student clubs and activities as sources for connection and friendship, particularly emphasizing the need to actively invite Black students to participate and ensure they feel welcomed. Additionally, they stressed the need for targeted representation and support for Black students, highlighting the significance of visibility, unity, and year-long conversations around the Black student experience.
While acknowledging that there is still work to be done, Edun expressed appreciation for the College’s efforts in providing an open platform to share her experiences and create a sense of belonging for all students.
“As a Black student at Niagara College, I am proud to belong to a place where my best is being nurtured and most importantly where my concern is prioritized by the most diligent and encouraging team,” she said. “The support from the College, faculty and staff has strengthened my sense of belonging here.”
Thank you to all who joined and contributed to this pivotal conversation on how we can unite as a community to support Black students.
