To mark Black History Month, six Concordians share their insights through a series of short video messages, to be released throughout the month of February on Concordia Alumni social media platforms.
This year’s theme — Black Futures: Concordians helping advance Black perspectives for the next generation — was inspired by Montreal poet, performer and oral storyteller Tawhida Tanya Evanson, BA 97, and her take on Black History Month.
Concordia continues to work toward a more equitable and inclusive community through its Black Perspectives Office. In October 2022, the university released its final report of the President’s Task Force on Anti-Black Racism, providing a roadmap to the future.
Nicole Antoine, BA 10, co-founded Four Brown Girls and Blaxpo, two initiatives focused on advancing the careers of Black professionals by removing systemic barriers. She is also marketing strategist consultant at N/A & Company Inc. WATCH VIDEO
Everything I do is thinking about not only my daughters, but their grandchildren — and what can I do to create a cohesive understanding of what it is to be a Black individual in Canada and to be seen and heard.
Gary Chateram, BSc 00, BComm 02, MSc 05, is senior vice-president and co-head of retail at MacKenzie Investments. He is a former president of the Caribbean Student Union and currently sits on Concordia’s Board of Governors. In 2019, Chateram was named one of Concordia’s Top 50 Under 50 Shaping Business. WATCH VIDEO
Education is the key that will open the doors. You need relationships across communities to build partnerships and bridges if we are to achieve greatness in our society.
Hawa Keita, BComm 17, is lead at the Concordia Africa Initiative and former executive director of CEED Concordia. Now an MBA student at McGill University, she is also a board member at the Junior Chamber of Commerce of Montreal. WATCH VIDEO
When I think about the theme of Black Futures, I think about opportunities and changes. And if you would like to shape tomorrow, we have to do our actions today.
Fatoumata Camara, BA 12, is a leader in the field of equity, diversity and belonging. She is senior human resources manager at IG Wealth Management and founder of Young Athletes of Montreal, a non-profit youth organization promoting excellence through sports. She received the Concordia University Alumni Association (CUAA) Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Award in 2022. She is also a member of the CUAA’s board of directors. WATCH VIDEO
By wanting to be more equitable, you’re already on the right track. Knowing that you don’t know everything and being willing to change and learn and unlearn, that’s the first step.
Adedotun Sali, MASc 13, is a senior manager of cybersecurity and privacy at PwC Canada, and Opeyemi O. Sali, MEng 13, is manager of global security operations at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. The couple moved to Canada from Nigeria 13 years ago to study at what is now the Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science. Grateful for the financial support they received as students, the Salis recently created a scholarship at Concordia to encourage the next generation of Black students. WATCH VIDEO
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