On Friday, December 15, Mount Saint Vincent University was delighted to host the Black Scholars’ Summit for African Nova Scotian/Canadian researchers – the first of its kind in Nova Scotia.
Organized by the Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning Institute, in partnership with the Mount, the event featured presentations on the experience and purpose of Black research by many notable guests, among them several Mount alum including The Honourable Wanda Thomas Bernard, Senator.
Attendees included researchers of African (Black) Descent, DBDLI Research Fellows, members of the Mount’s Africentric Support Group, Africentric MEd Cohort grads and current students.
From the DBDLI media release:
Through a variety of platforms including keynote addresses, facilitated discussions and informal networking, these shared insights will help enhance and grow a Black research agenda in Nova Scotia, ultimately contributing to African Nova Scotian community capacity building and success for all learners.
“Our goal is to promote a deeper understanding of the research that is being conducted and to stimulate discussion around future research topics that impact African Nova Scotian / Canadian students and communities,” says Sylvia Parris, CEO of the DBDLI. “We are so pleased that Keynote Speaker Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard could join us and share her perspective on the need, relevance and impact of the research that is and will be conducted by Black researchers.”
The Black Scholars’ Summit also featured guest speakers Dr. Carl James, Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community and Diaspora at York University. Dr James shares his in-depth qualitative and quantitative research approach, focusing on issues and concerns related to marginalized people within a framework of equity, inclusivity, and social justice.
The Black Scholars’ Summit gives participants the opportunity to tap into collective, relevant knowledge enhancing their understanding of key issues, which can inform their research approach going forward.
Learn more about the Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning Institute.
On a related note, Dr. Susan Brigham, Mount professor in the Faculty of Education, Chair of the Alexa McDonough Institute for Women, Gender and Social Justice, and Board member of the Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning Institute attended the National Black Canadians Summit in Toronto earlier in December. Attendees were welcomed by many dignitaries, including former Governor General of Canada The Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean and (via video) The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister, who noted the importance of such a gathering and need to do more during the UN Decade for People of African Descent (2015–2024). El Jones, current Nancy’s Chair at the Mount, was also in attendance.