Event emphasizes Mentorship, Leadership, and Community
Loy Excellentia Initiative hosted its 3rd edition of the Black History Month Celebration at Brandon University over the weekend. The event brought together students of African descent and Black students, faculty members, senior university leadership, and community partners for an afternoon of reflection, mentorship, and collective engagement.
Held under the theme “Unravelling Canadian Black History: Acknowledging the Past and Mentoring the Future,” the celebration examined the historical foundations and contemporary contributions of Black communities in Canada while emphasizing mentorship, student leadership, and institutional collaboration as pathways to sustainable progress.
Welcome Reception and Opening Ceremony
The event opened with registration and a welcome reception featuring light refreshments, Afrobeat rhythms, and live music by the Brandon University Jazz Ensemble, creating an atmosphere of connection and belonging.
The formal program began with a land acknowledgement delivered by Greg Gatien, BU’s Acting Vice-President (Academic), recognizing the traditional lands on which the university operates and reaffirming shared responsibility toward reconciliation and equity.
An opening prayer was said by Dr. Aloy Anyichie, Founder of Loy Excellentia. Dr. Alysha Farrell, Dean of the Faculty of Education, delivered the official welcome, reaffirming the university’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusive learning environments.
An interactive icebreaker followed, encouraging early dialogue and student engagement.
Opening Address and National Context
In his opening address, Dr. Anyichie, who is also the first person from Brandon to win the Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award, reflected on the significance of Black History Month in Canada and highlighted the 2026 national theme, marking three decades of formal recognition while calling attention to Black excellence across generations. He emphasized that the gathering extended beyond celebration to intentional listening, advocacy, and action through mentorship and leadership development.
He reaffirmed Loy Excellentia’s mission, grounded in mentorship, empowerment, excellence, and advocacy, noting that sustained progress requires both institutional partnership and community accountability.
Keynote Address: Black History as a Living Narrative
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Balfour Spence, Professor at Brandon University. His presentation framed Black history in Canada as a living and evolving narrative that continues to shape education, policy, and community life.
He emphasized mentorship as a bridge between generations, stating:
“Our challenge is to strengthen the foundation laid by those before us, so that future generations can stand on our shoulders with confidence and move society toward equity and justice.”
Student Voices and Guided Dialogue
A central component of the program was a structured group dialogue session where students shared lived experiences as African and Black students in Brandon, reflecting on belonging, representation, academic support, and institutional growth.
Eigbonogah Jude, a first-year Web and Interactive Development student at Assiniboine College, described the event as affirming:
“Being in a space where my culture and identity are celebrated rather than simply included creates a strong sense of belonging. It turns the university and college into a true home.”
These discussions reinforced the importance of sustaining platforms that elevate student voice within academic spaces.
Inauguration of the Loy Excellentia Service Award
A major highlight of the celebration was the inauguration of the Loy Excellentia Service Award, recognizing sustained commitment to volunteering and community engagement.
The 2026 Service Award was presented to Arinzechi Kenechukwu Kingsley, a first-year Nursing student at Brandon University. Reflecting on the recognition, he shared:
“Receiving this award reminds me that consistency and service matter. Volunteering has strengthened my leadership, teamwork, discipline, and sense of responsibility.”
Mentorship, Leadership, and Student Opportunities
The program featured an interactive Mentorship, Leadership, and Volunteering Session, facilitated by Dr. Anyichie, where students explored how mentorship and service contribute to academic success, career readiness, and leadership development.
Students were introduced to upcoming initiatives, including group mentorship models, local mentorship opportunities in Brandon, and professional connections across sectors such as finance, immigration, and community leadership.
Introduction of the CREAMS Research Lab
Participants were also introduced to the CREAMS Research Lab (Culture, Regulation of Engagement, Achievement Motivation, and Success) — a research initiative created by Dr. Anyichie that focuses on understanding the role of culture on students’ regulation of learning, engagement, motivation, and academic success. The lab offers students opportunities for research participation, skills development, and mentorship, integrating scholarship with practical student growth.
Organizational Growth and Community Recognition
Over the past year, Loy Excellentia has expanded its impact through online webinars, a student summer picnic, and continued Black History Month programming that amplifies student voices and builds community.
The organization was also recognized as a 2025 Brandon Community Votes Multiple Platinum Award winner, reflecting strong local trust and support across nonprofit, community and organizational service categories.
Looking ahead, Loy Excellentia plans to expand regular programming, including social evenings, professional development workshops, mentorship sessions, and celebrations of student success.
Acknowledgements and Community Support
The 2026 celebration was fully supported by Brandon University partners, including the Faculty of Education, the Anti-Racism Committee, and the Diversity & Human Rights Office, with additional community support from organizations such as the Rotary Club.
Some of the community leaders in attendance included Wayne Balcaen, MLA for Brandon West, and Enver Naidoo, Director of Westman Immigrant Services. Mayor Jeff Fawcett conveyed his regrets while expressing continued support for initiatives advancing inclusion and student empowerment.
Closing and Continuing the Conversation
The event concluded with a shared meal featuring African cuisines, informal networking, and a group photo—closing the celebration with connection, cultural pride, and renewed commitment to mentorship and collective progress.
About Loy Excellentia
Loy Excellentia is a student-centered initiative dedicated to mentorship, empowerment, and excellence. The organization supports students of African descent and Black students through leadership development, research engagement, institutional collaboration, and community-building grounded in equity and shared responsibility.
Contact
- Brandon University
- communications@brandonu.ca
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About BU
Success is built at Brandon University. Our growing, progressive campus welcomes a diverse and inclusive community that combines proud tradition with shared ambition. Through our excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship, we educate students to make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders. Join us at BrandonU.ca.