Black History Month

Theatre alumna earns recognition for Black-led storytelling 

Growing up, Asha James (BFA ’18) always had a deep interest in the arts, but it wasn’t until she joined musicals in high school that she would discover that the stage was where she felt most at home. As Asha entered the acting industry, she was determined to find stories and cast members that reflected her community. It was this desire that would lead her to land a role in Obsidian Theatre’s FLEX, a project that would shape her career.  “I […]

Alumna opens doors for Black girls and young women 

As a Black youth coming to Canada from Zimbabwe, Tapo Chimbganda (PhD ’17) had a difficult time adjusting to a new country. She felt isolated and saw first-hand many of the barriers that young Black women face. It was this early experience that inspired her to start Future Black Female, an organization that seeks to guide and empower Black girls and young women to achieve […]

Award-winning alumna challenges systemic barriers

Desaraé Dee (BFA ’12) is a Canadian fusion artist, pianist, composer, producer, and educator whose work centres on instrumental and genre-blending music that explores emotion, spirituality, and storytelling. Like many alumni, Desaraé’s career path was not a straightforward one, and she credits York University as a key influence in becoming the successful, award-winning instrumentalist she […]

York alumna discusses equitable opportunities and the importance of representation in classrooms

Dr. Dionne Stephens (BA ’96), an esteemed alumna whose journey began long before becoming the only black tenure-track faculty member in the department of Psychology at Florida International University (FIU) in Miami, discusses opportunities, representation and learning in the University’s dynamic, metropolitan and multicultural stage.  She reflects on her experience as a Black woman pursuing […]

York alumna aims to spur positive change for Black health equity through dementia research

It was life’s twists and turns that led Ngozi Iroanyah (MA ’17) to pursue research dedicated to improving the health status of Black communities . And it’s her passion for creating positive change for Black people living with dementia that has fuelled years of study on the topic. “I’m always hoping that we can destigmatize […]

York alumna breaks barriers as a Black international fundraiser

From the age of 15, York alumna Fatou Jammeh (iBA ’15) was certain she wanted to become a diplomat. She fulfilled this dream working in various roles at the UN World Food Programme in Italy, Kenya and most recently, the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Today, Fatou is breaking barriers in the non-profit sector as […]

From York Lanes to global lanes of impact

While a student at York, Tosin Akinwekomi (BCom ’07), founded Beam Inc., a non-profit organization that donated school supplies to underprivileged students in Nigeria and rebuilt schools in the area. Now the Senior Director, Business Effectiveness, Client Contact Centres at CIBC. Tosin shares the experiences he had as a York student and advice he has […]

York alumna empowers local community through urban agriculture

York alumna Ohemaa Boateng (BA ’17) has lived in the Jane and Finch community since she was a child. But it wasn’t until she started her role as a youth intern at Black Creek Community Farm that she would learn about food sovereignty and the challenges faced by marginalized people in her community. As a youth […]

Alumni Spotlight: Kamika McLean (BA ’02)

Kamika McLean (BA ’02) has studied and worked in the United Kingdom and the Caribbean in various legal capacities. Currently, Kamika sits on the executive team of KSS HoldCo. Inc, a private equity company, as General Counsel. She is also a certified Notary Public & Commissioner. What are some of your memories of studying at York?  […]

Alumni Spotlight: Robert R. Small, C.M. (BEd ’14)

Artist, author, and educator Robert R. Small, C.M. (BEd ’14) is a highly sought-after speaker and workshop leader who gives speeches across Canada and delivers powerful workshops on the importance of Black History. He is the creator of the LEGACY poster which has been a staple seen across Canada in schools, businesses and organizations for […]