We did it. A year that Time Magazine dubbed as “The Worst Year Ever” is finally ending [1]. 2020 pushed us to the brink emotionally, physically, and mentally. A global pandemic, nationwide protests over racial injustice and a contentious presidential election have dominated the news this year. Surely these events have affected us all on[…]
2020: A Time to Reflect, Then Move Forward
By Melissa Indome and Chris Osei-Kusi Blog Series Dec 31, 2020
Survivors and Advocates: Anti-Black Racism, Advocacy, and Academics
By Kendra Wilson and Natasha Daley Advocacy, Blog Series Nov 29, 2020
[Editors’ note: This blog post was drafted prior to an increasing number of recent incidents of overt anti-Black racism, and several other deplorable discriminatory conduct, at the University of Windsor. Although they are not explicitly included in this article, they are inextricably relevant to the topic at hand, and have caused further harm to the[…]
Black Complex
By Eunice E. Dapaah Blog Series Oct 30, 2020
For some time now, I have questioned how to best fit into the trajectory of my future without losing the undercurrent and authenticity of my past. As a Black female navigating the legal sphere, every progressive step is marred with questions of imposter syndrome and anguish over a loss of identity. Every Black individual exists[…]
A Black Womxn’s Reality
By Tiana Knight Advocacy, Blog Series Sep 30, 2020
The first time I heard an excerpt of Malcom X’s “Who Taught You to Hate Yourself” speech was on Beyonce’s 2016 album Lemonade. An album that was very much for Black womxn and one that resonated with me deeply. As per Malcom X “The most disrespected woman in America, is the black woman. The most[…]
Is My Natural Hair Unprofessional?
By Jaiscelle Aristorenas Advocacy, Blog Series Aug 30, 2020
As I prepare for the OCI recruitment process, I am constantly hearing my fellow Black law students ask questions about whether or not they should wear their natural hair for their interviews, and at large, within the workplace and firms. In her 2017 article, “Black on Bay Street”, Hadiya Roderique describes an interaction she had[…]
Canada’s Angel Complex
By Chris Osei-Kusi Advocacy, Blog Series Jul 06, 2020
“That doesn’t happen here,” “We’re not like them,” or “I’m so happy we live in Canada”: these are common phrases you hear people in Canada utter when the issue of race and racism are “trending topics”. The Canadian belief is that while racism does exist, it is nothing like what it is in America. America’s[…]
Black Law Students’ Association of Canada 40 King Street West, Suite 5800 Toronto, ON M5H 3S1 Tuesday, February 25, 2020 Re: Jordan Afolabi and Anti-Black Racism at the University of Windsor The Black Law Student’s Association of Canada (BLSA Canada) is deeply concerned and disappointed in the University of Windsor’s[…]
À cette époque-ci de l’année, comme il est de coutume, notre communauté dans sa plus grande diversité s’arroge un moment de célébration et de commémoration : célébration d’acquis et d’avancées obtenus au terme de luttes rondement menées, et commémoration de toutes celles et ceux qui, parfois au prix de leur vie, ont été les figures de[…]
Dispelling the Monolithic Myth: The Nuances of Black Law Students – Nigel Masenda
By admin Blog Series Feb 20, 2019
Celebrating black pioneers and visionaries is what Black History Month is rooted in. However, another part of what makes the month so special is it provides a great opportunity for us to learn about the contributions black students are making. This black history month we decided to highlight the different faces that comprise BLSA Queen’s.[…]
My Thoughts on My Place in This Space: Reflections on Representation – Debbie Yeboah
By admin Blog Series Feb 20, 2019
If I’m being honest, I’m used to being the only black person in the room. I did my undergraduate degree in Victoria, British Columbia, and then I lived in Germany for two years; these are not places that are known for having a plethora of black people. So, when I first came to law school,[…]