At Mount Allison, equity, diversity, and inclusion promotes successful transition of Black/African students to university.
EDI also:
- celebrates the rich and diverse cultures that students come from and bring to Mount Allison
- engages all members of the Mount Allison community in understanding the rich histories and cultures of the Black/African peoples
Supports and services
MtA Black Caucus
Mount Allison’s Black affinity group, the MtA Black Caucus, is aimed at empowering and supporting Black students, faculty, staff, and alumni. This is the first group of its kind on campus that includes the entire Mount Allison Black community.
We invite all Black community members to join by contacting Cassie Rodriguez, DEIAR Student Advisor, at carodriguez@mta.ca.
Black Resource and Information Centre (BRIC)
The BRIC, located in WMSC 124, is a dedicated safe space designed to support the Black experience on campus and in our community.
The space serves as a community gathering space for the MtA Black Caucus to meet, engage, and participate in the group’s programming. The space also gives access to peer supports and resources.
Questions? Contact Cassie Rodriguez, DEIAR Student Advisor, at carodriguez@mta.ca.
Student clubs and societies
Supporting our Black community
In acknowledgement of the unique challenges that Black people face in this society and on our campus, Student Life, in cooperation with various stakeholders and community partners, has committed to the following initiatives towards substantive change.
On-going initiatives
Staff, students, and faculty have the chance to participate in a range of programs, initiatives, and events designed to engage the public and empower Black communities at Mount Allison, including:
- Creation of a dedicated safe space — a dedicated space for all on campus that centres the Black experience.
- Braids and Fades Fridays — recognizing that there are no haircare services for Black people in our community, Student Life has partnered with Black haircare experts in the Moncton area to provide these services monthly and on campus.
- The Black Experience at MtA — a presentation and panel discussion on how to support Black students in and out of the classroom.
- Black health and wellness circles — on-going wellness support groups with a focus on lived experience.
- Black celebrations — commemorating and celebrating days of significance such as Black History Month, and Black Grad.
- Black Alumni Network — an affinity group for Black MtA alumni
When we talk about unpacking Black history, we must recognize that anti-Black racism, discrimination, and oppression are not a concept of the past. As an institution, we will continue to uplift our Black communities and create safe and affirming spaces for all who call this place home.
We're here to help!
The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism (DEIAR) Student Advisor provides one-on-one advising, guidance, advocacy, and mental health resources to various equity deserving students, including students of colour and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
The DEIAR Student Advisor also acts as a resources for the University community, working with key stakeholders on educational initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion and the promotion of anti-racist and decolonial practices.
Contact: Cassie Rodriguez
DEIAR Student Advisor
carodriguez@mta.ca
February is Black History Month
Black History Month is about honouring the enormous contributions that Black people have made, and continue to make, in all sectors of Canadian society. It is about celebrating resilience, innovation, and determination to work towards a more inclusive and equitable country called Canada.
Find out what is happening at Mount Allison for Black History Month.
Days of significance
| January (third Monday of the month) | Martin Luther King Day |
| February | Black History Month |
| March 21 | International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (UN) |
| March 21-27 | Week of Solidarity with the Peoples Struggling Against Racism and Racial Discrimination (UN) |
| July 18 | Nelson Mandela Day (UN) |
| Aug. 1 | Emancipation Day |
| Dec. 2 | International Day for the Abolition of Slavery (UN) |