Mount Allison University’s new affinity group, the MtA Black Caucus, celebrated the opening of the Black Resource and Information Centre (BRIC) on Sept. 28. This dedicated safe space located in the Wallace McCain Student Centre (WMSC) is designed to support the Black experience on campus and in our community.  

The BRIC, located in Room 124 WMSC, is open to all students, faculty, staff, and alumni, but will centre the Black experience and provide a space for Black initiatives to flourish at the University.

“We want this initiative to encourage the Black MtA community to come to campus as their authentic selves and know that their identities are seen and valued,” says Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Student Advisor Lucy Ofori. 

“The Black Resource and Information Centre is the first of its kind at the institution and will act as a safer space for our community to connect and create dialogue about the Black experience.”

The space will serve as a community gathering space for the MtA Black Caucus to meet, engage, and participate in the group’s programming. The space will also give access to peer supports and resources.  

The MtA Black Caucus, which was introduced earlier this month, is aimed at fostering connection, support, and empowerment among Black students, faculty, staff, and alumni. This is the first group of its kind on campus that includes the entire Mount Allison Black community.  

“The Black Caucus affinity group is a great way for Black students to connect,” says fifth-year Biology student Kestia Milomga. “This initiative allows Black students to feel represented and give them a sense of community and belonging away from home. It gives Black students an opportunity to come together and come up with ideas to help support fellow students so that they can better navigate university life here at Mount Allison.”  

More details about the MtA Black Caucus, including upcoming programming for the academic year, and operating hours for the BRIC can be found on the Black/Africans students’ page.  

All Black community members are invited to join by contacting Lucy Ofori, EDI Student Advisor, at lofori@mta.ca.