Carleton University Hosts First Black Faculty and Students Meet and Greet, Strengthening Community and Belonging
By Kirsten Maramba
Carleton University’s inaugural Black Faculty and Students Meet and Greet, held on March 30, 2026, at the Institute of African Studies, brought together students, faculty, and alumni for an inspiring evening of connection, mentorship, and celebration. The event created a vibrant space where Black members of the Carleton community could see themselves reflected across academic and professional roles—an experience many described as both empowering and long overdue.
Speakers shared candid reflections on navigating university life, confronting systemic barriers, and finding strength through community. Their stories highlighted the importance of representation, mentorship, and visibility in fostering Black student success.
Student speakers Dylan Ntemgwa and Dupe Adesoji encouraged peers to pursue excellence beyond grades by engaging in research, volunteering, and leadership opportunities.
Faculty members also highlighted the value of informal settings for building authentic relationships and breaking down barriers that persist in traditional academic environments. Journalism professor Adrian Harewood spoke about overcoming academic challenges through meaningful relationships. Alumna Petra Michael offered a powerful account of her experience transitioning to Canada as an international student, describing how the support of Black faculty mentors, including Professor Daniel Tetteh Osabu‑Kle helped her adjust and succeed despite challenges related to accent-based bias and cultural adaptation.
Students responded enthusiastically to the event and expressed how deeply the event resonated. Many shared that hearing from Black faculty and alumni made academic pathways feel more accessible and helped them feel seen and supported.
One international student noted that attending helped him break out of isolation and make new connections. Another said Petra’s story mirrored his own experience of feeling academically strong yet judged for his accent, underscoring the need for spaces that validate Black students’ experiences. One student noted, “I didn’t even know we had these Black professors at Carleton. Seeing us represented at all levels is incredibly important.”
The Meet and Greet reflects Carleton’s ongoing commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, aligning with initiatives such as the Scarborough Charter. Faculty emphasized that informal gatherings like this help break down barriers and create space for authentic, community‑building conversations.
The event was supported by the Office of the Provost and Vice-President (Academic) and the Black Inclusion Working Group, with coordination by Professor Nduka Otiono, Faculty Advisor on Anti‑Black Racism and Black Inclusion and Director of the Institute of African Studies. Kirsten Maramba, Computer Science Honours and Co‑op student, served as a research assistant.
For upcoming events and initiatives, visit the Carleton University Anti‑Black Racism and Black Inclusion website.
