George Brown College (GBC) celebrated the successful launch of its Black Futures Initiative (BFI) on Tuesday, September 24. The event at the St. James Campus marked a significant step in the college's commitment to Black inclusion and excellence.
Stepping towards inclusive excellence
Organized in partnership with the Office of Anti-Racism, Equity, and Human Rights Services, it drew an excited crowd of students, faculty, staff, and community members. As a signatory of the Scarborough Charter, the launch of the BFI represents substantial progress in the college's ongoing commitment to creating a space that reflects our Black community members' diversity, vibrancy, and aspirations.
Elevating Black voices
The event began with land acknowledgements from Indigenous and Black community elders, setting a tone of reflection and growth. Attendees explored the new BFI facilities, including the office space, Gathering Space, and Black Research Institute, while a video presentation outlined the initiative's strategic goals the BFI aims to achieve.
The afternoon was filled with engaging activities, including a photo booth for guests to capture memories and an interactive art exhibition by Melissa Falconer. One of the highlights was the array of delicious and culturally relevant foods from local vendors, Flo's Grill, Jamaican House Jerk, and Tropical Island Caribbean. Attendees savoured the delicious offerings while engaging in meaningful conversations.
Looking ahead
Mary Ola, Senior Manager of Black Futures, expressed enthusiasm for the strong turnout and positive reception to this long-awaited initiative. "We are setting a new benchmark for inclusive excellence in post-secondary education, and I'm excited to see how this will shape the future of George Brown College," said Ola. "This initiative is not just a program but a step towards creating a more equitable and vibrant educational environment for all," she added.
This marks the beginning of a new chapter in GBC's commitment to creating spaces where Black students, staff, and faculty can thrive. Together, we're building a future grounded in equity and belonging.
The Black Futures Initiative is open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., in Room 581C.
