“LUACSA serves as a supportive community for African and Caribbean students, fostering cultural exchange and unity through group activities,” says Aya Atomini, LUACSA President and a fourth-year Business Administration-Finance student. “This month is an opportunity to showcase the achievements and contributions of Black individuals while celebrating with peers and creating meaningful discussions on representation.”
The Black History Month events will provide opportunities for students to engage with Black history, contemporary issues, and networking opportunities with professionals and entrepreneurs. The events include:
Florish Adebayo attended St. Charles College and is a fourth-year Biochemistry student. She works part-time at a local pharmacy, runs her own business, Beiwty Rishrish Cosmetics, and is a LUACSA executive member. As a busy student and young entrepreneur, Florish emphasizes the significance of LUACSA’s impact on student life. “This association has given me the chance to build relationships, connect academically and socially, and gain mutual support from my peers. Black History Month is a time to amplify those connections and celebrate our community.”
LUACSA, led by a dedicated executive board of 12 students, has been a strong presence at Laurentian for years. With many current leaders in their final year, the organization is preparing for a seamless transition to new leadership. “We have many newer members who can run in the upcoming election,” says Barakat Salami, who attended Lasalle Secondary School and is LUACSA Vice President and a fourth-year Law and Justice student. “We’re confident LUACSA will continue to thrive and build on this celebration year after year.”
With a variety of events to appeal to different interests, the group is most looking forward to two brand new initiatives. “The cultural mini gala and the student debate, ‘Talks Among Peers’ are really exciting for us,” said Esther Oseni-Ketefe, graduate of St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School fourth-year Law and Justice student. “This is our first time ever hosting something like these and they’re both really out-of-the-box, engaging events that we think the entire community will appreciate.”
In collaboration with LUACSA, Laurentian University’s SEC and EDHRO have arranged for two guest speakers—Laurentian alumnus and former student-athlete Tychon Carter and community leader Nikki Clarke—to join the celebrations to share their insights and experiences. LUACSA invites the Laurentian community to participate and celebrate Black history, culture, and achievements with a month full of engaging events.