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Black History Month

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 […]

Black History Month

This February marks the 25th anniversary of the first time Black History Month was officially commemorated in Canada. This declaration was thanks in part to the work of Glendon alumna Rosemary Sadlier (BA) and honourary alumna Jean Augustine (LLD ’11). Throughout the month of February we’ll be sharing the stories of Black York alumni and […]

Alumni Spotlight: Brandon Hay (MES '16)

In 2001, Brandon Hay (MES ’16) discovered he was going to be a dad for the first time. After visiting community centres seeking out help for Black fathers, he realized there were no resources available for him. While working at his factory job overnight, Hay came up with an idea in response to the isolation he felt as a new Black father as well as to the lack of spaces for Black men to discuss parenting issues and concerns facing the Black community as a whole.

Claiming a seat at the table

Former MP Jean Augustine (LLD '11) helped establish Black History Month in Canada. Now, efforts to fundraise for an endowed chair in her name at York are kicking into high gear.