Partner Showcase

Serving Dalhousie University’s Black Students & Community for over 30 years

 e History of the Black Student Advising Centre (BSAC)

On September 28, 1989, a report entitled, “Breaking Barriers: Report of the Task Force on Access for Black and Native People” was submitted internally to the president of Dalhousie University, H. C. Clark. Th e report served to address and redress the systemic barriers faced by Indigenous Black and Native learners in accessing academia as a result of years of inter-generational social, economic, racial and political marginalization, as well as to increase the visible representation of African Nova Scotian learners on the campus (McKay, et al 1989). One outcome of the report was the inception of the Black Student Advising Centre (BSAC).

Current BSAC

Today, BSAC continues to support African Nova Scotian students as well as all Black students from the diaspora at Dalhousie University and the University of King’s College. Th e Centre provides services and programs that off er personal, cultural and educational support, and acts as a link between Dalhousie and African Nova Scotian communities. Th rough in-house resources and partnerships with other university services, students can access numerous supports in the Centre including academic and career advising, writing tutors, and peer mentors, as just a few examples.

Th e Centre employs two Student Aff airs professionals: Oluronke Taiwo, Black Student Advisor and Monique Th omas, Community Outreach and Transition to University Coordinator. Th roughout the year BSAC holds multiple events for the on and off -campus Black community. In addition to our popular social gatherings, the Centre hosts a professional networking event and a winter speaker series tied to Martin Luther King Jr. Day, African Heritage Month, and the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Additionally, the Centre hosts an open house specifi cally designed for Black high school students. During the open house, students from across the province in grades 9 through 12 are invited to Dalhousie to learn about academic programs and hear from current Dalhousie students. All high school students who attend get their application fee waived. Th e Centre also supports off -campus community group initiatives. Over the past year BSAC has had the privilege of presenting and volunteering at some Business is Jammin’ initiatives including Architecture as a Profession, Experience in Computer Science initiative and the NEXT UP 2020 youth summit. BSAC believes in partnership and collaboration to develop our youth!

Championing our Future Leaders

Last fall marked a historic occasion for Halifax, Nova Scotia and the rest of the Maritimes. On November 13, 2019, President Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, visited the Scotiabank Centre for a speaking engagement titled, “A Conversation with President Barack Obama”, where he delivered a message of hope, leadership and civic engagement to Maritimers, near and far. Th e event was held in recognition of the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council’s 70th anniversary, a group that supports co-ops and credit unions in the province. To no one’s surprise, it sold out in 22 minutes of opening sales, with a wait list in the thousands. Stewart McKelvey was proud to play a leading role in bringing this event to life as the Future Leaders Champion, a platinum-level sponsor. Th e Future Leaders program was designed to provide young people from diverse communities with the opportunity to attend the event. Being the Future Leaders Champion was a natural fi t for the Firm. As leaders in the legal community Stewart McKelvey is also committed to supporting the people, businesses, and initiatives that help make Atlantic Canada a better place to live. Th eir support of events focused on education, the arts, and health and wellness reveals a particular focus on causes related to youth education and wellness. Furthermore, the Firm’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee, comprised of 15 lawyers and 8 staff across six offi ces in Atlantic Canada, is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion throughout the Firm and encouraging greater inclusion and cross-cultural understanding in our communities through sponsorship and support. Th e opportunity to help our young current and future leaders throughout our communities attend the event was well within the realm of our work. Th e Future Leaders initiative was launched on October 9th, 2019 at Dalhousie University’s LeMarchant Place Atrium. Th ere, Stewart McKelvey’s CEO and Managing Partner, Lydia Bugden, QC, announced that because of the Future Leaders program, more than 2,000 students would be attending “A Conversation with President Barack Obama” through the support of local businesses, organizations, universities and individuals. “By standing behind the youth of today, and giving them the tools and opportunities they need to become tomorrow’s leaders, we believe that we can achieve an inclusive, diverse, and prosperous region for all,” said Lydia. “As Future Leaders Champion, we are thankful to the Nova Scotia Co-operative Council for this opportunity, and to the other Future Leaders sponsors for joining us in supporting this important initiative.” Th e Firm itself distributed tickets through community youth groups to deserving individuals who embody leadership qualities or demonstrate potential as future leaders. Th e main event drew more than 9,000 spectators, who were welcomed by Stewart McKelvey Partner and Diversity & Committee Co-Chair, Candace Th omas, QC, before President Obama took the stage.