The Black Student Advising Office
The Black Student Advising Office is open to all members of the St. FX community.
Any student regardless of race, culture, or creed is welcome to participate in and make use of office activities and resources which include, but are not limited to, advising services, financial resources, and academic supports, where appropriate.
Students are welcome to study, read, relax, and connect with other students in an inclusive and supportive learning environment at their leisure.
"If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."
- African Proverb
@stfxblackstudentadvising
Slideshow of African Heritage Month at StFX featuring Black Students
Announcements
African Heritage Month starts with the Launch Day on February 1st, 2023!
The month-long celebration and self-expression of People of African Descent starts with the Launch on February 1st. More details to come.
The calendar of events for the month is found below. It will be expanded upon in an upcoming update.
The first ever African Heritage Month Cabaret hosted in partnership by the Black Student Advising Office and The Bauer Theatre will be on February 4th from 6-8pm. This all-ages event will feature a lineup of performances, from live music and singing to spoken word and poetry. Mocktails, a comfortable, low-light environment, and a safe space for self-expression makes this the perfect event to see what Black StFX students and community members have to offer! The Bauer Theatre is the hosting venue, located next to the Physical Sciences building on campus. We hope to see you there!
To sign-up to perform, follow the QR code on the poster below or click here: https://forms.gle/8JyR97iveGVKEPgN6
Changes Within the Office
Over the past few months, our office has undergone significant changes in terms of our operations and the execution of our Student Advisor position. Many who have adhered to our office in the past have known our Advisor position to be called the African Descent Student Affairs Coordinator. Due to a recent change in the Terms of Reference, along with extensive collaboration with the Student Life team, Community Members, and valued stakeholders, we came to decide that the best way to fully represent our students in a well, diversified manner, is to make the appropriate changes. With that, you can now refer to our office as the Black Student Advising Office, and furthermore, refer to our newly revised Coordinator position as the Black Student Advisor.
Role of the Black Student Advisor
The Black Student Advisor promotes and honours the diversified culture of the African Diaspora at St.FX. The Black Student Advisor's mandate is to ensure that students of African Descent are supported, guided, and encouraged throughout their post-secondary journey. This is accomplished in several ways, including, providing educational opportunities to the wider campus community, celebrating Black Culture through a variety of on-campus activities and events, providing one-on-one and group support to Black and African Nova Scotian students, and, advocating on behalf of students of African Descent to various stakeholders.
Addressing students' needs is the utmost priority of the Black Student Advisor. Moreover, we believe that with persistence and a tailored one-on-one experience, Black students will be able to thrive and succeed throughout their academic careers.
Services
In addition to providing specialized assistance in the area of Student Life, the Black Student Advisor also works to:
- Foster time management, organization, and study skills, to Black and African Nova Scotian students who may be struggling in these areas
- Assist Black and African Nova Scotian students with course content, assignments, and tutoring services
- Connect Black and African Nova Scotian students to volunteering opportunities, as well as peer mentorship, career mentorship, and other services and opportunities within the wider community
- Provide financial information and assistance where possible, as well as connect students to sufficient financial resources as they present themselves
- Host on-campus events, and work with stakeholders to facilitate events that promote culture and diversity at StFX
- Advocate, mediate, and liaison on behalf of Black and African Nova Scotian students as it relates to culturally sensitive and academic issues
Resources 
- Employment Opportunities
- Financial Opportunities
- Community Organizations Network
- Graduate Degrees Information (Law, MEd, PhD, Sciences)
- Student Networks and Societies
- Mentorship and Coaching
- Volunteering Opportunities
- Newsletters and much more
International Decade for People of African Descent
As proclaimed by the General Assembly, and recognized from 2015 - 2024, the international community recognizes that people of African descent represent a distinct group whose human rights must be promoted and protected. The framework adopted by the United Nations provides a commitment for Nation members and the greater, civil majority to come together to promote and achieve social justice and development for people of African Descent.
To learn more about the history and significance of the International Decade for People of African Descent, visit "Decade for People of African Descent".
Employment / Volunteer Opportunities
*TBD*
Financial Assistance / Opportunities
St. Francis Xavier University Financial Aid
Delmore "Buddy" Daye Learning Institute (DBDLI)
Equity and Inclusivity - Anti-Racism Module Training
*TBD*
Black Student Societies / Recruitment
BLACC Student Society
In collaboration with the Black Student Advising Office, St.FX offers a vibrant and cutting-edge student society, BLACC. The BLACC student society is a support group for students, specifically those of African Descent, who are susceptible to racial injustice. Not only does the BLACC student society offer on-campus resources and supports to students of African Descent, but it is also an educational space for students and accompanying allies to come, connect, share, and learn from one another's 'lived experience'.
BLACC provides a safe space and sense of community for students of African Descent, as they recognize the disparities that exist amongst social and racial groups. Involvement with the BLACC student society provides an array of leadership opportunities to students who are of Bi-racial, Latin, American-African, Caribbean, and Canadian descent.
Recruitment and Leadership Opportunities
The BLACC student society functions as a student-led unit with varying roles. See how you can get involved at https://wopita.com/stfxblaccsociety.
- General Collective (Three (3) members)
- First Year Connector
- Senior Connector
- Communications Liasion (Students' Union Representative Council Member; Representative for Students of African Descent)
@stfxblaccsociety 
xblaccsoc@gmail.com
Student Resource Lounge 
Located on the 4th floor of the Bloomfield Centre & Students' Union Building, is the Black Student Advising office in the Diversity Engagement Centre.
The Diversity Engagement Centre at StFX is a space dedicated to enhancing the university's efforts to support traditionally underrepresented student populations on campus. The three advisory offices serve as a support point for students who feel they need the ear of someone who has had similar lived experiences.
The Diversity Engagement Centre (DEC) offers a positive environment for all students to experience and understand societal differences through open conversation, educational programming, and social activities.
Community Resources / Contacts
|
Type of Resource |
Resource Available |
|
Community Resources / Elders (Covers all Communities)
|
Brianna Waterman - Student Success Teacher Jennifer Desmond - Educator Jermal Mansfield - DBDLI Youth Worker Juanita Byard - BEA Regional Educator Lorraine Reddick - Student Support Worker/Educator Mary Desmond - Community Elder/Educator/Retired Nurse Morgan Gero - Youth African Drumming Group/Educator Pasty Borden - Curator at Friendship Centre Sabrina Skinner - Student Support Worker Tanya Tobin - Student Success Teacher Tera Dorrington - Principal/Educator |
| Assets |
Antigonish Museum Antigonish Cultural Academic Enrichment Program (CAEP) Delmore "Buddy" Daye Learning Institute |
Black Nova Scotia
StFX strives to create a living and learning community where we can all thrive.
We believe that in a community of equity and inclusion, you can openly and comfortably bring your whole self to school every day and feel a sense of belonging and safety. We know that when you can bring your whole self, it enhances your learning.
In the spirit of equity and inclusion, let's take a moment to situate StFX geographically and culturally.
We would like to recognize the African Nova Scotian communities who have called this land their home for the last four hundred years, and who have also been marginalized and excluded in this territory.
Peoples of African descent are a vibrant part of Nova Scotia’s past. These individuals have made Nova Scotia their home and have contributed to the fabric and success of today’s province. Nova Scotia can be said to be the birthplace of black culture and heritage in Canada, boasting the largest Indigenous Black community in Canada.
Today these rich settlers make up the African Nova Scotian community, and today, over 400 years later call Nova Scotia their home. During their time, they've settled in 52 historic communities, such as some of the well-known communities of Shelburne, Africville, East Preston, Annapolis Royal, Cherry Brook, Halifax, Sydney, Antigonish, Springhill, North Preston, and Beechville to name a few.
StFX affirms that Black lives matter, as we continue to address the intersections of racism, colonialism, and sexism in our communities. For more information on African Nova Scotian history, click here.
The Sankofa Bird
“Sankofa” is an African word from the Akan tribe in Ghana. The translation of this term means to “go back and get it”. The Sankofa bird symbolizes the Akan people’s quest for knowledge, in the context of critical examination, intelligence, and patient investigation. The symbol itself – shown in the photo above – is based on a mythical creature, a bird, in which its feet are planted firmly forward, while its head looks backward. It is believed by the Akan peoples that past experiences serve as a guide for planning for the future. To the Akan, it is the wisdom in learning from the past that helps to ensure a strong future.
For more information regarding the Sankofa bird, its historical context, and resources explored, visit, "The Power of Sankofa".
Adinkra Symbols & Meanings
Adinkra are visual symbols that encapsulate evocative messages conveying traditional wisdom, philosophical thoughts and ideas, and aspects of life and the environment. To learn more, visit "African Adinkra Symbols and Meanings".
Knowledge
Creativity
Unity
