A look inside TMU’s first Black Flourishing Conference
Organized by TMU’s Black Student Advisory Committee (BSAC), the Black Flourishing Conference brought together Black identifying students, staff and faculty along with special guests for inspiring conversations, and fostering connections and belonging. The conference was co-hosted by Linda Musui (left), TMU student and BSAC member, and Keosha Love Dwyer (right), Black student support facilitator in the Student Life and Learning Support team.
Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) hosted the first Black Flourishing Conference this April, a two-day event designed to celebrate, empower and centre Black student success. The conference welcomed thought leaders from Toronto’s Black community, and engaged students through workshops, exciting performances, giveaways and networking opportunities.
“We had more than 100 attendees who said they felt seen and supported in the environment we created. It helped provide a platform for Black peers to share their stories and experiences of being Black at TMU,” said Jada Bosland, a third-year student in the business and law program who is a member of the Black Student Advisory Committee.
The Black Flourishing Conference featured keynote speaker Amanda Parris, an award-winning writer, television host and producer. She discussed the challenges of reclaiming human connection in the midst of capitalism's daily grind, and the generational legacies we may need to let go of in order to truly flourish.
“My top takeaway was from Hermela Taye’s workshop on the importance of Black student leadership,” Bosland said.
“I learned how Black leadership can inspire others to pursue their aspirations despite systemic barriers. Black leadership brings unique perspectives to the table while fostering empowerment and self-determination. This workshop helped me improve my leadership skills while also encouraging me to work hard to succeed in my goal of being a Black future leader.”
Students had the opportunity to attend Reni Odetoyinbo’s workshop on starting a business, getting funding for a new venture, tips for making it grow and how to handle money wisely as a business owner. Odetoyinbo is a content creator, marketing consultant and finance educator in Toronto who shares resources and knowledge around career development and financial literacy.
“My favourite part of the conference was Faduma Mohamed’s creative writing workshop on storytelling and activism,” said Tommy Akinnawonu, a first-year student in the biomedical sciences program and a member of the Black Student Advisory Committee.
“A lot of our writing was on how we experience Black love and how we form a community around our intersecting identities. I really enjoyed participating in her workshop.”
Students also participated in a wellness and community care workshop with Kim and Shanelle (the Villij), and Content Creation 101 with TMU student and content creator Divine Amayo.
JUNO award winning rapper and singer TOBi performed at a pre-dinner show on the first day of the Black Flourishing Conference.
The conference featured performances by TOBi (external link) , spoken word poet and human rights activist Shahaddah Jack (external link) , and singer, songwriter and drum carrier Fola (external link) .
Another goal of the two-day event was to address the needs and challenges faced by Black students. It explored ways in which the university can better support students academically, emotionally and socially to create an environment where they can feel seen, thrive and flourish.
“Conferences like this one help promote Black scholarship, enhance the Black student experience and create new learning opportunities for Black students, and the campus as a whole,” said Jen McMillen, vice-provost, students. “Most importantly, this conference creates space for Black students to flourish and feel a sense of belonging.”
Members of the Black Student Advisory Committee belong to various university Black student groups, student unions and student societies. The advisory group works on centring the experience of Black students, and promoting Black student success and overall well being. Pictured above are some members of the BSAC along with Keosha Love Dwyer and Krystal Valentine, manager, student learning and academic engagement.
Black faculty and staff shared their experiences in higher education, navigating different career paths and how to take up space in rooms that aren't always predominantly Black. From left: Rai Reece (sociology professor), Nikki Waheed (manager, talent development), Grace-Camille Munroe (interim director, Black Scholarship Institute) and Keosha Love Dwyer.
“We definitely need more Black programming that is catered specifically to Black students,” Akinnawonu said. “Events that are collective in nature where we can connect over food, meet new people and find other Black people in academia are super important.”
Related stories: