Black Students' Experiences: The Cost of Admission

Date: Friday, March 2, 2022
Time: 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.MST

Join us for a panel discussion mixed with poetry, music and dance.

The University of Calgary is one of the top research universities in Canada and home to a diverse student population. What does this mean for Black students? How are our voices heard? What are the responses to our needs? Join the ongoing discussion on what it means to be Black in post-secondary education.

Aligning with the 2022 Black History Month theme “February and Forever: Celebrating Black History Today and Every Day”, this program will showcase the creativity and strength of Black students, instructors, and other faculty members within the world of education. Following creative performances by Black artists, a student-led panel will highlight the real cost of admission for Black students. The focus of this discussion will be Black excellence in academia and the resilience that is required to succeed, using a variety of different experiences and journeys into post-secondary institutions.

Christina Mukaga

I am a University of Calgary Undergraduate Arts student. I understand first-hand the pressures and challenges that come with being a Black student. My determination to give back to my community, on the other hand, has opened avenues for me to share my experiences with others. I have formerly volunteered on the Immigrant Advisory Table of the city of Grande Prairie and am currently pursuing admission to the BSW program for Fall 2022.

Daniel Habte

I am a registered social worker with teaching experience and a University of Calgary Master of Social Work Student. I am Eritrean-Canadian and understand culturally competent practices through my diverse work and life experiences. I believe change happens when establishing a sense of belonging for everyone, building a trusting relationship within communities, and establishing safe and welcoming community resources.

Janelle Lee-Pong

I am currently in the MSW program in clinical specialization with individuals, families, and groups. My background is in Physical education and sports performance as I have had early intentions to work in the development of high performing athletes, particularly in the areas of speed and power. Outside of sports, I have spent many years working in the not-for-profit sector helping to provide community programming for underserved children and families in my hometown of Edmonton. This is the work that informed my Social Work education, and what shapes my developing passion for Narrative therapy. I am currently a part of the Transforming Masculinities: Men in Gender Justice research project, and greatly enjoying my practicum with the Calgary Narrative Collective.

Nafisa Moallim

I’m a registered social worker and University of Calgary Master of Social Work student. I’m Somali-Canadian and understand the resilience needed to concurrently navigate two identities. I’m passionate about building community and initiating dialogue that leads to creating safe inclusive spaces.

Serge Nyirinkwaya

I am a PhD Student in SW at the University of Calgary. I am from Rwanda, in the heart of Africa! Before joining the PhD program, I worked in Child Welfare for more than 15 years in Rwanda with several support interventions in many other African Countries. My practice, training and research interests focus on child protection, child and youth alternative care, mental health and psychosocial support, family strengthening, playwork and narrative approaches to therapy and community work.