The Black Student-Athlete Council will be the collective voice of all student-athletes who identify as Black. The group was formed to promote diverse initiatives within, as well as to enable student-athletes with the opportunity to be heard by the Department of Athletics & Recreation, and the university, on behalf of Black student-athletes. All student-athletes who identify as Black will automatically become members of the council for the duration of their studies at McMaster, ensuring they have a voice.
The purpose of this council is to establish a safe learning environment for BIPOC student athletes, and students at McMaster University. To foster a culture of equity and inclusion at McMaster University, to educate others on anti-racism and allyship, and to establish a platform of outreach.
To create a support system that caters to the needs of BIPOC student-athletes, students, and the minority population at McMaster university. To create a community free of discrimination that upholds a culture of acceptance and inclusivity.
The Black Student-Athlete Council operates on eight fundamental core principles:
- Equity
- Inclusion
- Respect
- Social Justice
- Accountability
- Collaboration
- Honesty
- Acceptance
Key duties and responsibilities for the Black Student-Athlete Council include, but are not limited to:
- Acting as an ambassador for Black student-athletes, and conducting oneself in accordance with the privilege of the position.
- Engaging in education and outreach to create safe spaces and support for Black student-athletes.
- Contribute to the development of departmental processes and procedures focused on:
- Increasing representation of Black student-athletes at McMaster University.
- Building a culture of inclusion within the Department of Athletics & Recreation, including in relation to how incidents of racism are reported and resolved.
- Working with key stakeholders across the university with a shared interest in Black students' experiences at McMaster University, including ACFAM, the Black Student Advisor, Athlete Services Coordinator, and Black student clubs.
- Represent Black student-athletes at the Varsity Leadership Committee.
Olivia Koffi - President
Cole Francis - Vice President
Ares Culley-Bremner - Communications Lead
A’mya Rawlins-Thomas - Communications Team
Matthew Bello-Oshodi - Communications Team
Karson Jimbere - Events Lead
Arisa St. Clair - Events Lead
Nicole Carter - Events Team
Daniel Ejeteh - Outreach Lead
Chizam Nkechika - Outreach Team
Megann Nkenglack - Outreach Team
Riaz Saliu - Treasurer
Mikaela Blake - Secretary
Contact Information:
Email: bsac@mcmaster.ca
Instagram: @mcmaster.bsac
Term and Nomination Process
Executive members will be in place for 1 academic year beginning in September 2021. At the end of each academic year, there will be an opportunity for new students to self-nominate for participation on the executive. Executive positions should be filled by student-athletes who have demonstrated leadership in advocating for Black student-athletes. In the event the number of nominees exceeds the number of vacancies, an election will be held. In the event, vacancies exist following an open call for new executive members, current members can remain in place for another academic year, up to a maximum of 3 years.
