Embracing Diversity and Belonging: A First-Year Student's Reflection on Black History Month at TMU
I am a first-year student in the Ted Rogers School of Management, majoring in Business Technology Management. I celebrated my first Black History Month at TMU in February 2024 by engaging in the wonderful and thrilling events hosted by Black students, faculty and staff. Attending two Black History Month events this month—the Black Excellence Mixer: A Renaissance of Our Own and the Black History Month Dance Party with Dione at the RAC—proved to be transformative experiences that not only enriched my understanding of the history of my community but also reshaped my sense of identity and belonging.
The Black Excellence Mixer offered more than just a chance to socialize. It was an amazing experience in which I got to network, indulge in delicious food, engage in fun games, listen to captivating artists, and, most importantly, celebrate and learn more about Black Excellence. It felt like a home away from home, where the vibrant atmosphere enveloped me in a sense of belonging. As a naturally introverted person, I thought I would feel out of place in such a lively environment. However, to my surprise, I felt immediately welcomed and embraced by the warm energy of the event. In fact, I found myself chatting so much with other attendees; so much that I may have overshared a little. Through the mixer, I discovered a side of myself I hadn't fully realized before—the ability to adapt and thrive in environments outside my comfort zone.
At the mixer, every interaction, whether brief or lengthy, contributed to deepening my understanding of myself and my role within the TMU community. However, one conversation stands out vividly in my memory. I engaged with an upper-year student who generously shared her experiences of navigating involvement in the TMU community. Through our discussion, I learned about the challenges and successes she faced, which resonated with my own experiences. Her perspective not only enriched my understanding of my identity within the TMU community but also strengthened my connection to it.
"Reflecting on these experiences, I've come to understand the significance of nurturing inclusion and a sense of belonging within our school community."
The dance party was the perfect way to de-stress from the studying I’ve had to do for my upcoming midterms. The experience was just as exciting as the Black Excellence Mixer. Since I'm not the best dancer, I stayed towards the back, but I got a chance to appreciate everyone's moves and feel the awesome energy in the room. I had a great time dancing to music from various cultures. My top picks were the Afrobeat tunes—they really got me pumped, being Nigerian and all. Trying out different dance styles was also really fun. I even got a proper lesson in doing legwork, but my lack of dancing skills made it a bit chaotic, yet still enjoyable! Overall, the dance party provided a much-needed release of stress and a memorable opportunity to celebrate diversity and unity through music and movement.
As a first-year student myself, I empathize with others who may be having a hard time finding their place and forming meaningful connections with people. This has inspired me to shift from being a passive participant to an active organizer of such events. My goal is to expand our community and extend a welcoming hand to those who may feel hesitant to step out of their comfort zones, particularly during occasions like Black History Month. I'm now fully committed to taking tangible actions to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion at TMU.
Looking ahead, I plan to actively engage in initiatives that celebrate our diverse backgrounds and uplift voices that may not always be heard. Whether that’s through coordinating events that showcase different cultures, advocating for inclusive policies, or simply offering support to those who feel left out, I'm dedicated to making a positive impact.
As I continue my journey at TMU, I am excited to be part of a community that values diversity and strives for inclusivity, and I look forward to my future involvement in student committees and groups organizing events like the ones I attended during Black History Month. I would like to see these events happening more often on campus, beyond during Black History Month. My goal is to establish an environment where every student feels they belong, where we don't just tolerate differences but celebrate them.
