This past Homecoming, the Black Student Success Centre offered free vendor tables for student entrepreneurs to sell their unique creations
The Black Student Success Centre provided free vendor tables, located at 10 Acre Field, for student entrepreneurs on Oct. 5, 2024 during Homecoming this year. The BSSC invited makers, artists, and entrepreneurs to sell and display their creations on campus.
This provided students with the opportunity to network, market their businesses and gain significant visibility during one of the busiest days on campus. As advertised on the BSSC’s Instagram, interested students were encouraged to fill out an application form a week prior to Homecoming due to the limited spots for vendor tables.
Omolade George is a third-year student in the psychology and human behaviour program. George sold jewelry at one of the vendor tables that the BSSC offered student entrepreneurs. “My business name is Jewels by George … My business actually started earlier this year, I believe in March,” said George.
George shared that her business was inspired by her mom. “Growing up, I watched my mom dress up to go to events, parties, even church. She had this huge chunky chain necklace on her neck . . . I thought that this was very fun and that started my love for jewelry. When the opportunity arose for me to open my business here in Hamilton, I thought it would be nice to recreate that moment with other people to make them feel lovely and beautiful,” said George.
Growing up, I watched my mom dress up to go to events, parties, even church. She had this huge chunky chain necklace on her neck … I thought that this was very fun and that started my love for jewelry.
Omolade George, third-year psychology and human behaviour student
Initially, George started selling her jewelry at her church, focusing on the Nigerian community. When she learned about the vendor tables offered by the BSSC, she was eager to seize the opportunity to showcase her work on campus.
“Last year [in MUSC], I had seen that there were some vendors. I thought if that opportunity arises this year for me, I would really like to grab onto that. I had seen the posting on Instagram and I had written my bio, my name, email and everything. Then somebody reached out to me from the Black Student Success Centre to tell me I got the spot,” said George.
George was very excited to be featuring her business on campus. “I couldn’t even focus on my midterm, I was too excited . . . McMaster is a very huge campus and to have the opportunity to show students this is a part of my culture, this is a part of me that I’m showcasing on the table, was very exciting,” said George.
McMaster is a very huge campus and to have the opportunity to show students this is a part of my culture, this is a part of me that I’m showcasing on the table, was very exciting.
Omolade George, third-year psychology and human behaviour student
George felt the impact of Homecoming on her business was significant. “I feel like the black community really stepped out for me . . . I got to meet so many people. I got to hear feedback on what people really wanted. People were leaning towards bracelets and rings . . . it shifted my perspective on where my business would go,” said George.
When asked about the BSSC’s role in her entrepreneurial journey, George expressed gratitude. “I would say this support was huge . . . I definitely will be reaching out to them to see if they could support me more in the future,” said George.
I would say this support was huge . . . I definitely will be reaching out to them to see if they could support me more in the future.
Omolade George, McMaster psychology and human behaviour student
George also acknowledged some challenges, particularly pertaining to cultural appropriation. “I feel like non-black individuals feel that when they buy my pieces it’s appropriation. I would say it’s open to everybody. The pieces are definitely formal wear. So even if they don’t feel comfortable wearing it everyday I would say to still purchase it, it will make you feel lovely,” said George.
Ultimately, George’s goal is to spread joy through her jewelry. “Seeing the smiles on people’s faces when they purchase the item definitely reinforced me . . . I want people to feel beautiful when they wear my pieces and that definitely inspired me to keep going and find time for my business,” said George.
As she looks to the future, George is excited about expanding her reach and establishing a more accessible online presence. “From this experience, I definitely learned that packaging and advertisement is huge,” said George.
The BSSC's vendor tables during Homecoming 2024 was a significant event for student entrepreneurs, particularly for those like Omolade George, who showcased their talents and connected with the campus community. The BSSC's initiative to provide free vendor tables not only created networking and visibility but also fostered a sense of cultural pride and creativity among participants.
The Black Student Success Centre builds bridges and celebrates excellence at this year's Black Student Welcome
Three years after its virtual launch in September 2021, the Black Student Success Centre celebrated its fourth annual Black Student Welcome with a great turnout. Held on September 5, 2024, this cherished event continues to connect new Black-identifying McMaster students with peers and faculty.
The BSSC, McMaster University's first dedicated space for Black students, has swiftly become a cornerstone of support and community. It provides an environment where students can express their culture, celebrate their diversity and strengthen their identity and connections with one another.
This supportive atmosphere has been of great benefit to the success of many students. Jholene Massy, a recent biology graduate and current master’s student at McMaster, highlighted this expressed this in an interview with TheSilhouette. “Nobody wants to stay somewhere where they don't feel supported and they don't feel welcome. So that was definitely something I took into consideration when I was looking at graduate schools," said Massy.
Nobody wants to stay somewhere where they don't feel supported and they don't feel welcome. So that was definitely something I took into consideration when I was looking at graduate schools.
Jholene Massy, master's student
The BSSC offers a comprehensive range of sources designed to foster student success, from financial aid and mental health support to mentorship programs and career guidance.
The Black Student Welcome event, which occurs during the first week of each fall semester, serves as an introduction for both new and returning students. It allows them to see themselves represented and valued within their academic community. Massy emphasized the importance of this representation at the event. “I think a big part of knowing your community is seeing the community. And even though you don’t know everybody in the room, you know that everybody is there for the same reason, which is just to support each other,” said Massy.
I think a big part of knowing your community is seeing the community. And even though you don't know everybody in the room, you know that everybody is there for the same reason, which is just to support each other.
Jholene Massy, master's student
The event kicked off with a lively meet and greet, where students and faculty from all departments could interact and make connections. Attendees had the chance to engage with Black professors, alumni, and supporters who contribute to the BSSC’s mission of growth and enrichment.
In its fourth year of occurrence, the event’s popularity has continued to soar, requiring extra chairs and adjustments to accommodate the growing number of attendees. The BSSC’s dedicated student volunteers played a crucial role in ensuring the event ran smoothly, managing the flow of guests and adapting to the evolving environment.
Following the meet and greet, participants heard from BSSC staff about the programs and resources available throughout the year. The highlight of the evening was a panel discussion featuring Black McMaster faculty and graduate students, who shared their personal experiences navigating their academic journeys. This panel offered valuable insights into the challenges faced by Black students, from international student issues to racial isolation.
Massy also emphasized the importance of this representation. “You get to see professors that look like you. You get to see staff members and researchers that look like you. And representation really does matter in these areas and in these spaces. Even just seeing and knowing that there is somebody up there that looks like me, I could do it because they did; it really makes all the difference,” said Massy
You get to see professors that look like you. You get to see staff members and researchers that look like you. And representation really does matter in these areas and in these spaces ... Even just seeing and knowing that there is somebody up there that looks like me, I could do it because they did; it really makes all the difference.
Jholene Massy, master's student
The evening concluded with a reception featuring free food and beverages, providing a setting for participants to network and share their aspirations with one another. For those who may have missed the event, Massy offered a final piece of advice when speaking to the Silhouette. “And if you missed the welcome, then there's no worries, there’s so many events throughout the year. You never know what doors might open up from going to the BSSC,” said Massy
The BSSC remains a vital resource for Black students at McMaster. For more information on upcoming events or resources, check out BSSC's Instagram and join the mailing list! Whether it's to get involved, connect with staff, or expand your network, the BSSC is here to support your journey.
In honor of the one-year anniversary of their in-person office, we reviewed the journey of the Black Student Success Centre, from their launch to some of their current initiatives and services.
As of this February, the Black Student Success Centre has been open in-person for one year. In this time, they have organized numerous events, administered mental health services and worked to foster an open community gathering space for Black students.
The BSSC is an MSU service that launched in 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Opening virtually at first, the BSSC transitioned to in-person services on Feb. 7, 2022. The one-year anniversary of their in-person office, located in PGCLL, occurred during this past Black History Month.
The centre was first created in response to discussions surrounding Black student experiences, as well as a notable review released in 2020 discussing anti-Black racism within McMaster University’s student athlete community.
Some of the services and resources offered by the BSSC include mental health and wellness support, financial literacy workshops and community building initiatives.
In a conversation with The Silhouette, BSSC Program Support Assistant Toluwalase Dayo-Olaide explained that the centre fulfills an important need for a community hub, which Black students at McMaster were previously missing.
“There was never any central hub for [Black students] to meet other Black students. I didn't even know Mac really had any Black students. So, coming in and seeing people, connecting with people, having this space, I think it's something that incoming students are really going to benefit from,” said Dayo-Olaide.
“There was never any central hub for [Black students] to meet other Black students. I didn't even know Mac really had any Black students. So, coming in and seeing people, connecting with people, having this space, I think it's something that incoming students are really going to benefit from,”
Toluwalase Dayo-Olaide, BSSC Program Support Assistant
Dayo-Olaide explained that the transition into an in-person space for the BSSC has been a catalyst for fostering community among Black students. Dayo-Olaide explained how the barriers of online services make it difficult for students to build trust and become comfortable to openly share experiences.
“You wouldn't be able to have those long, nice conversations, those spontaneous conversations online … I feel like the in-person space just makes people feel more connected to something tangible. I want to walk in there, sit down and feel like I'm part of a community,” said Dayo-Olaide
Dayo-Olaide has been with the BSSC since October 2022 and has watched the centre grow and continue to reach more students. Dayo-Olaide explained that one of the most notable points of growth he has noticed is the increased presence of Black men, where the centre had previously mostly seen female students utilize their services.
Dayo-Olaide explained that the BSSC’s 2022 Empowered program aimed to bring together Black men on campus, including undergraduate students, graduate students, professors and staff, to provide a secure space and to foster open conversations regarding stigma, stereotypes and wellness.
“There's this stigma or stereotype about Black men and sometimes stereotypes will force you to conform to them. [The Empowered program] was a wellness support for people to be able to come in and be open about themselves, the things they face and get advice from people that are above you … We were creating a safe space for the guys on campus,” said Dayo-Olaide
“There's this stigma or stereotype about Black men and sometimes stereotypes will force you to conform to them. [The Empowered program] was a wellness support for people to be able to come in and be open about themselves, the things they face and get advice from people that are above you … We were creating a safe space for the guys on campus,”
Toluwalase Dayo-Olaide, BSSC Program Support Assistant
The BSSC is located in PGCLL room M07, and they continue to provide virtual and in-person services. More information for accessing these services is available on the BSSC website.
C/O Black Student Success Centre
Officially open as of September 27, the BSSC offers resources, support and a sense of community to Black students at McMaster
On Sept. 27, the Black Student Success Centre officially opened at McMaster University with the goal of supporting Black students and fostering their success.
“Black students across Canadian universities sometimes feel isolated on campuses and are less likely to access student support services. The BSSC exists to connect Black students to the programs, people and resources that will nurture their academic and personal growth,” states the BSSC website.
The BSSC currently offers most of its services online, given that its physical space is under construction. However, it will eventually be housed on the main floor of the Peter George Centre for Living and Learning.
C/O Travis Nguyen
Faith Ogunkoya, manager of the BSSC, explained that the centre was created in response to discussions of racism at McMaster that occurred in 2020. Notably, a review of Black student athlete experiences was published last year, which called attention to anti-Black racism at McMaster. In response to this review, a five-point action plan was released with the creation of the BSSC as a part of the university’s plan to have targeted supports for Black students.
Although the review played a crucial role in the development of the BSSC, the centre’s emergence also builds on years of activism and advocacy work done by Black students, faculty, and staff.
Along with the review, Ogunkoya explained that students and alumni became increasingly vocal on social media about the racism they had experienced while at McMaster. These factors together prompted the university to create a safe space for Black students on campus.
Since the BSSC was created in response to students’ needs, Ogunkoya emphasized the centre’s commitment to representing students and meeting their needs. Thus, one of the centre’s main focuses is to provide general advising services to Black students and to connect them to other services on campus that they might need.
What We Do.
The Black Student Success Centre is dedicated to championing the holistic success, well-being, and development of Black students and Black student-athletes at @McMasterU
In collaboration with partners across campus, we provide unique services ensuring Black success. pic.twitter.com/1kUPkAsuXg
— McMaster Black Student Success Centre (@MacBSSC) October 9, 2021
Along with providing individual advising, the BSSC has also partnered with the Student Wellness Centre. The BSSC’s partnership with SWC has allowed them to connect students with Black counsellors and run group sessions that promote good mental health for Black students.
The first of these sessions, called You Belong in the Room, explores feeling inadequate in the context of racism and belonging. Starting on Oct. 13, the session is projected to run for five weeks every Wednesday from 1:30 to 3 p.m.
“[You Belong in the Room] is basically going to be a space where [students] can talk about anything and everything, being open about racism and its impact on them academically, personally or professionally, discussing impostorship and how sometimes, in white-dominated spaces, we almost feel like we shouldn’t be here or that we don’t belong,”
Along with providing services and support to Black students, Ogunkoya explained that the BSSC also strives to educate other members of the university.
“We often feel like we've got two sides to our service, where it's working with Black students and getting them to where they need to be [and to the] services and programs that they need to access, but also that it needs to be culturally informed. So, we will also be providing training, providing some guidance and providing leadership to units and departments so that [McMaster] is an environment that makes Black students know that they belong,” said Ogunkoya.
Overall, Ogunkoya said the goal of the centre is to create a safe space and a strong sense of community for Black students at McMaster.
Ogunkoya noted that many Black students at McMaster are not surrounded by a lot of other Black students in their programs which can lead to feeling a lack of belonging.
“There’s something that follows you around sometimes when there’s only a few of you,” explained Ogunkoya.
According to Ogunkoya, this is what makes the existence of the BSSC so important.
“When you see yourself and you see representation, it can empower you; it can make you feel less alone,” said Ogunkoya.
The past few years have been transformative for society and the fight for social justice. Here’s hoping the development of this much-needed service both empowers Black students at McMaster and helps address the injustices faced by the Black community at large.
C/O Chana/Unsplash
McMaster has more supports in place for Black students than I expected
By: Bianca Perreault, Contributor
Countless people think that being a Black student has always been the same as being a "regular" student. Obviously, many students can relate to being a minority visibly: not looking like everyone else, having different types of hair, skin tones and culture. Especially when coming from a small village or town, that receptivity can be even more dominant. But how is it at McMaster? What does it feel like to be a Black student in 2021 at McMaster University?
Perhaps before 2021, the experience was different or even the same in its own way, but I believe that McMaster has improved its role in the Black community since last year. The Black Lives Matter movement in 2020 trulyimpacted the whole world. It was a beautiful and poignant reunion of a community fighting for its rights and Mac did not let these circumstances leave in a mist. As a matter of fact, McMaster put in place many different initiatives in support of our Black student community. As a Haitian student myself, I was more than pleased to discover all the opportunities and programs awaiting me and I can confidently say that I feel welcomed in my own skin.
First and foremost, McMaster’s Student Success Centre was a forum established to direct students towards the resources they may need. Perhaps the most marvelous thing about the organization is that they have specifically created a division for students of Black/African descent: the Black Student Success Centre. It is entirelydedicated to supporting and championing the success and well-being of Black students. Through fostering a positive student and athlete experience, they intend to value us at any level, whether that be academic, professional or personal. As a Black student myself, feeling like you have access to resources as much as any student is of the utmost priority. I believe that this division is a safe space for us to connect with people who feel comfortable nurturing our academic and personal growth at university. BSSC is guided by Unbuntu, an ancient African philosophy which means, "I am because you are.” Connection, community and collective success are emphasized by this word.
BSSC is not the only support we have at McMaster. In fact, the department of communication studies & multimedia and the department of history have created bursaries for up to $2,500 per year for many Black students based on their financial needs. It’s amazing to not only see the impact of these two initiatives on the Black community at McMaster, but also to recognize the true impact of the two programs supporting such bursaries. Through communication arises our ability to share milestones and recognition of one another. Through history, arguably the most critical part of our African-descendant story is shared and valued towards achieving shared, common knowledge. Even the fact that the bursary was put in place is in itself a form of thoughtful acknowledgement.
Besides BSSC and Black Student Excellence scholarships, McMaster has established postdoctoral fellowships for Black graduates, a coaching program for Black scholars called Thrive, and launched employee resources for staff who identify as Black, Indigenous or a person of colour. While there are some that I haven't even mentioned yet, Mac iscommitted to amplifying voices that can share our concerns and elevate their attention to an institutional level. Being a Black student at McMaster, I can fully expect to be supported and heard.
