The Black Excellence Mixer on February 27 at Toronto Metropolitan University will bring together Black students, faculty and staff in a relaxed, intentional environment. Now in its sixth year, the event will shift focus to the pressures of excellence. The theme aims to challenge traditional ideas of excellence and encourage open, thought-provoking discussions about what it means to recognize the diverse experiences of Black communities. Attendees will have the opportunity to redefine the singular narrative of excellence often placed on Black academics, professionals and students.
The 6th annual Black Excellence Mixer brings together TMU's Black community to build connections, identify the systemic challenges they face, and celebrate their Black and intersectional identities.
Cyesha Forde, chair of the Black Excellence Committee at TMU, champions mentorship programs that help foster a sense of belonging for equity-deserving groups and celebrate Black excellence on campus.
"Excellence does not mean perfection or require performance; it asks no more of us than we have to give because we ARE excellent," says Cyesha Forde, chair of the Black Excellence Committee. "It's in the way we show up, the way we thrive, the way we get back up, the way we speak up, the way we prioritize our own peace, the way we confront, the way we express ourselves, and the way we find and build community."
Forde notes, "I am most proud of how we create and nurture spaces where the complexity and devastating beauty of Blackness and Black people are celebrated."
Honouring Black History Month
Held annually during Black History Month, the event will celebrate Black communities. For many in the TMU Black community, opportunities to connect meaningfully outside of the classroom or workplace have been limited. These challenges are highlighted in the Anti-Black Racism Campus Climate Review Report (2020) and the ABRSAC Review of Recommendations (2021), both of which outline the need for more culturally relevant resources for Black students and recognition of their intersectional identities, including spaces to come together.
Creating pathways for collective success
Victor Ufot, co-president of the Black Law Students' Association (BLSA) at Lincoln Alexander, reflects on working with Black law students to redefine excellence by challenging traditional notions that overlook the systemic barriers Black students face.
"Excellence isn't just about individual achievement; it's about amplifying Black students' voices in spaces that have historically excluded them," says Ufot. "Through mentorship programs that connect Black law students with practising lawyers, hosting anti-oppressive workshops and advocating for more inclusive recruitment practices, BLSA is working to increase representation in the legal profession. We're building a legacy where future generations will thrive."
Michelle Forde, manager of PICCABR and ECI Initiatives, Caitlyn Alegbe and Victor Ufot, co-presidents of the Black Law Students' Association (BLSA), presented the TDSB High School Student Award at the 2024 Viola Desmond Awards.
Ongoing support for Black-centric initiatives
The annual Black Excellence Mixer is organized by the Black Excellence Committee; Presidential Implementation Committee to Confront Anti-Black Racism (PICCABR); Office of the Vice-President, Equity and Community Inclusion (OVPECI); Student Life and Learning Support in the Office of the Vice-Provost, Students (OVPS); and the Talent Management Centre of Expertise in the Office of the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO).
"The event offers an authentic, inclusive space for the Black community to connect, share experiences and build meaningful relationships," says Rahma Hilowle, manager of EDI, education and initiatives at Magnet (TMU's centre of innovation focused on the future of work). "Many students have expressed gratitude for a space to socialize," she says. "As a Black Muslim woman, I recognize that our community is not a monolith, and it's uplifting to see its cultural diversity celebrated. The empowering event helps individuals thrive academically, professionally and personally."
Tanya (Toni) De Mello, vice-president of equity and community inclusion, emphasized TMU's commitment to Black-centric initiatives amid rising anti-EDI policies.
"The current backlash against the work we are doing to support under-represented communities, particularly in public and political spheres in North America, makes identity-affirming events like the Black Excellence Mixer even more critical," she says.
"Creating spaces where Black students feel affirmed, supported and celebrated for their diversity is essential to fostering belonging and driving shared success. The mixer centres Black students, faculty and staff, and fosters community while contributing to a more inclusive campus. These spaces equip TMU students as well as future generations to navigate systems both at TMU and beyond."
Since its 2020 debut, the Black Excellence Committee has created spaces for connection beyond academic and professional settings. The committee also celebrates Black students and their achievements through the Black Excellence Graduation Celebration.
