Black Inclusion and Flourishing at UVic
Recognizing the negative and enduring impact of systemic and structural racism on Black people, UVic is working towards redressing anti-Black racism and fostering Black inclusion. One demonstration of UVic’s commitment to these goals has been signing the .
Work is underway to meet commitments outlined in the Scarborough Charter through community engagement, the collaborative efforts of the Scarborough Charter Steering Committee and in committed actions through the Equity Action Plan.
This work occurs in solidarity with equity-deserving groups and Indigenous sovereignty. As such, we want to acknowledge that there are individuals and groups across campus and in the broader community working toward these shared goals. We hope this will become a space for the Black community to share our work and to uplift one another.
Learn more about the:
- Scarborough Charter at UVic - Principles
- Scarborough Charter Steering Committee
- Committee's work in-progress
- Committee membership
- Ways to stay connected
Scarborough Charter at UVic - Principles
In December 2021, UVic signed the Scarborough Charter. Now, more than in the country have signed and committed to the Scarborough Charter to create an Inter-institutional Forum. Since then, UVic has begun a journey to integrate the principles and committed actions held in the Charter to create an environment for Black flourishing, inclusive excellence, mutuality and accountability.
Scarborough Charter Steering Committee
A Scarborough Charter Steering Committee was formed in May 2023 centred to identify ways to develop and nourish the community for Black people on and off campus. The committee is composed of representatives who identify as Black, African and/or Caribbean students, staff, faculty, alumni, and external community members.
In addition to following the principles listed in the Scarborough Charter, the Steering Committee’s goals are to:
- spotlight UVic’s commitment to the Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion
- support Black flourishing and celebrate Black excellence and lived experiences
- empower Black students, staff, faculty and community members through collaborative spaces and opportunities
- increase awareness, visibility, engagement and support for Black communities on and off campus
- build a strong network where Black people feel seen, heard and valued
The Committee's work in-progress
- advocating for a permanent physical space for Black people to gather, connect and collaborate and foster community
- maintaining a to build community and strengthen local supports
- creating and collaborating on that builds community and celebrate Black inclusion, joy and achievements
- developing a new role to support the work of the Steering Committee
- developing mentorship opportunities for Black students
- facilitating information sessions on addressing anti-Black racism and Black flourishing
- recurring meetings to keep work going
- having regular connections with other organizations or groups on campus (e.g. UVABPA, BLSA, SOCC, ACSA)
View the .
Committee membership
- Tricia Best (she/her), Co-chair, staff member
- Kelci Harris (she/her), Co-chair, faculty member
- Maryssa Grayer (she/her), Graduate student member
- Gabrielle Warrior, Undergraduate student member
- Devi Mucina (he/him), Faculty member
- Janine Mayers (she/her), Staff member
- Mandy Suen (she/her), Administration
Stay connected
Would you like to be updated about Black, African and/or Caribbean-specific events, resources and opportunities?
Have questions, comments or resources to share? Send an email to blackinclusion@uvic.ca.