Carleton Hosts a Conversation on Black Flourishing with President Wisdom Tettey
In honour of Black History Month Carleton faculty, staff and students gathered for a thought-provoking discussion on Black flourishing in Canada. The event, Breaking Free from the Past and Advancing Black Flourishing in Canada: Some Reflections, featured an insightful conversation between Carleton President Wisdom Tettey and Prof. Adrian Harewood (Journalism and Communication). Together they explored systemic inequities, institutional accountability and the importance of empowerment within Black communities.
The afternoon opened with a powerful performance by the Carleton Music West African Rhythm Ensemble, led by Prof. Kathy Armstrong (Music; African Studies). The ensemble invoked the spirit of the gathering with the rhythmic resonance of gankogui bells—traditional West African iron bells used to unify and energize ceremonies.
“We were so pleased to be invited to open this important event and to warmly welcome President Tettey with music and dance. The sounds of traditional drums and bells from Ghana, played by current Carleton students, speak powerfully to both the past and future,” said Armstrong.
Following the performance, Prof. Nduka Otiono (African Studies), welcomed the audience and thanked the ensemble for their inspiring introduction. He then invited President Tettey to share his reflections on Black flourishing. Tettey’s insightful opening remarks set the stage for an engaging and candid dialogue with Harewood.
Harewood launched the discussion with a pressing concern: skepticism toward institutional commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI). He pointed to the performative nature of many initiatives where programs are underfunded or dismantled just as they begin to make an impact. “Make the case,” Harewood challenged, asking why those who have seen the failures of institutional promises should believe that real change is possible.
President Tettey acknowledged this skepticism, emphasizing that EDI must be at the core of an institution’s mission rather than treated as an afterthought. “If it’s core to the mission, then defunding it means defunding the mission itself,” he said. Tettey stressed that true progress requires accountability at every level, from the university’s Board of Governors to individual hiring decisions. “It’s not one person’s responsibility—it’s a collective effort,” he emphasized.
The conversation also highlighted the importance of historical context, with Harewood reflecting on Carter G. Woodson, the founder of Black History Month. “In some ways, he was a pioneer of EDI before it was even a thing,” Harewood noted. Tettey built on this, addressing young Black students who may feel alienated in academic spaces. His message was one of empowerment: “You are capable,” he said. “Do not imbibe the notion that you don’t belong here.”
Tettey emphasized the responsibility of institutions and individuals to create environments where Black students and professionals can thrive. “Let’s feed them with the power of imagination, the belief in self and a commitment to being as competitive as possible,” he urged.
The event concluded with a reminder of the moral imperative to uplift others. Quoting Nobel Prize laureate Toni Morrison, Harewood reinforced the idea that those in positions of power must use their influence to free others. Tettey agreed, emphasizing that fostering inclusion benefits everyone stressing that true fulfillment comes from lifting others. “The height of human fulfillment is making an impact that extends beyond oneself,” he said. Tettey encouraged institutions to embed inclusion into their culture so that it outlives individuals and leadership changes. “If we all say this is the core of who we are, then the people will hold us accountable.”
Carleton’s Black History Month events continue to foster meaningful discussions on equity, representation and the shared responsibility of building a more inclusive future. The University remains committed to addressing anti-Black racism and advancing Black inclusion continues to be a priority. As part of this effort, Carleton is among almost 60 institutions across Canada that have signed and endorsed the Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Canadian Higher Education, reinforcing its dedication to creating lasting, meaningful change.
