Serena Anagbe / Photo Editor
Different clubs host speeches for Black History Month
As students attending Wilfrid Laurier University, we all want to feel welcome and encouraged by our school and the community that exists within it. There are so many of us that fall into different categories, post-secondary school is supposed to be a place for people to find people who have similar interests and beliefs. A second home, a group of friends that are like family.
This is possible because Laurier has such a diverse student body that is evergrowing. We are all given a chance to learn about different cultures and backgrounds and meet people from all over the world.
This month is Black History Month. There is an opportunity for Laurier to teach and educate its students on Black history. The Black Student Collective is the student group for Black students in Brantford. On the Waterloo campus, there is also a group for Black students called the Association of Black Students. In past years, there have been events going on during February for people to learn, but there has not been enough support or knowledge of these opportunities.
“I know the BSC is planning a Valentine’s Day gala and have two general meetings. Residence is as well and also the academic coordinator for Black students,” said Mercy Autur, a co-president of the Black Student Collective.
Some students don’t know the clubs exists, especially on the Brantford campus where there are a few in-person events, but many of the events are online for those without the means to get to the Waterloo campus.
The lack of support from the school during this month is alienating for students. While there is support on campus in academic help and wellness, it isn’t known to many.
Each year, the BSC puts on a gala for students during Black History Month. There are currently no other deals for events this year.
“BSC can be a great club if we were given better support on the Brantford campus,” said Naomi Abolor, the other co-president of the Black Student Collective.
While understanding that Brantford is a smaller campus and not the main campus for Laurier, this may be a valid reason for less resource supports for the smaller student groups. But students on this campus do not agree. The campus is constantly growing, and students should know about the clubs, student groups, etc. that are a part of their culture or background.
“I feel like it would be a bit easier to get in touch with those students who are feeling like there is no Black community in Brantford,” said Abolor about having more available resources. “If we can get in touch with them, it would be nice.”
The best way for groups like the Black Student Collective to get in touch with the Black student population is to talk to first-year students.
Laurier is a large community with two campuses sharing thousands of students. All should feel welcome and have an understanding of what Black History Month is about in February and know how many diverse options there are to find a place to belong for the rest of the year.
