Black Scholarship Institute Annual Report 2023-24
Black Scholarship Institute Annual Report 2023-24
Rooted in Legacy, Rising in Purpose
Who We Are
The Black Scholarship Institute (BSI) at Toronto Metropolitan University is a pan-university commitment to Black flourishing—rooted in intergenerational advocacy, ancestral wisdom, and visionary futures. Launched in 2023, the BSI was born out of decades of organizing and a call to build liberatory pathways for Black scholars, communities, and knowledge systems. We honour Afro-Diasporic intellectual traditions and support Black scholars across the academic lifecycle—from entry to legacy.
Grounded in the ethic of Ubuntu, we do not simply respond to inequity—we cultivate the conditions where Black brilliance is nurtured, sustained, and celebrated. This annual report marks our first full year—laying a foundation, building trust, and illuminating a path forward grounded in care, clarity, and community.
Highlights: By the Numbers
The Black Scholarship Institute began laying the foundation for lasting impact. Each number reflects more than output—it reflects intention, community, and the promise of Black flourishing at TMU.
1
Inaugural Cohort of Four Black Postdoctoral Fellows Welcomed
15
Champions Circle Members Engaged to Build Momentum
2
Community-Based Events Convened in Partnership & Collaboration
110+
Attendees at the Welcome Ceremony for Black students
6
Signature Events Hosted Across Campus and Community
4,191
Surveys Distributed to Black Students, Faculty, Staff and Alumni
Our Priorities in Action
In our inaugural year, the BSI advanced three strategic priorities:
Public Consultations:
Gathering insight from Black faculty, students, staff, and alumni to shape our Terms of Reference and 3–5 year Action Plan
Signature Events Series:
Creating dynamic spaces for Black scholars and the wider community to engage, reflect, and celebrate
Community Partnerships:
Launching the Community Brain Trust and building momentum through fundraising and institutional alignments with departments/schools and units across the university.
Community Led-Consultations and Global Environmental Scan: Our Community, Our Voice
Across consultations with Black faculty, staff, students, and alumni, one message rang clear: the BSI is not just a desire—it is a necessity. Despite low response rates, the feedback was powerful: participants called for support, equity, community, opportunity, and empowerment. The word cloud we created doesn’t just reflect data—it reflects desire, direction, and dignity.
Simultaneously, a global environmental scan of Black Studies Institutes across Canada, the US, and UK offered us insights into best practices, gaps, and opportunities. These twin processes laid the groundwork for our Terms of Reference, life-cycle approach, and distinctive positioning.
Signature Events & Campus Engagement
Gathering in Purpose, Expanding in Presence
The Signature Event Series affirms that Black scholarship is essential. Across dialogues, ceremonies, and celebrations, we uplift Afro-Diasporic epistemologies, promote wellness, and nurture a scholarly ecosystem rooted in affirmation and belonging.
BSI Across Campus
Collaborations affirm that BSI is a connective force across TMU. Beyond our hosted events, BSI was honoured to participate in:
Building Influence: Fundraising & Community Partnerships
In February 2024, the BSI launched its Community Brain Trust, composed of 15 influential Black leaders. That same month, TMU hosted the Champion’s Circle Dinner—a historic gathering uniting senior leadership, donors, and community visionaries in support of Black scholarship. These relationships rooted in trust, strategy, and shared purpose will fuel our resource mobilization and long-term sustainability strategy.
The Way Forward: From Vision to Legacy
Our next phase is rooted in structure and strategy:
- Finalizing the BSI Terms of Reference (Senate Policy 144)
- Launching our 3–5 Year Action Plan and Budget
- Releasing the TMU Black Scholars Digital Guide
- Hosting community validation gatherings and co-creating future programming
Every step forward will be grounded in community feedback, representational equity, and our unwavering commitment to institutional transformation.
Gratitude
To our community of elders, students, staff, faculty, alumni, donors, and allies—thank you. Your faith, advocacy, and vision are the soil in which this work grows. We honour those who came before, those who walk with us now, and those who will inherit the futures we are building together.
Keep in Touch
The BSI is a living, evolving community of scholars, seekers, and stewards. Whether you're a student, faculty member, partner, or friend—there’s a place for you here. Join our consultations and walk with us as we nurture visionary futures rooted in Black knowledge, joy, and justice.