Feb. 3, 2022

In the days after George Floyd was murdered on May 25, 2020, Darcey Dachyshyn, Professor, School of Early Childhood Education (ECE), challenged the ECE faculty to address issues negatively affecting the Black community – with a focus on students and alumni.

In addressing this important work, there were concerns about re-triggering students and being able to address their concerns adequately. There would certainly be some uncomfortable conversations.

Nevertheless, faculty got to work. They asked Black students and alumni from the school to share their experiences through interviews and surveys. Respondents identified gaps in areas like inclusion, retention and validation.

Results were shared with the School of ECE, and Chair Mary Fisher responded with a commitment to increase Black representation in course content, hires and student support – all priorities aligning with the Seneca Au Large pillar to build the equitable Seneca.

ECE Professor Josephine Muhaya was motivated by these conversations and went a step further.

To support and affirm the unique needs of self-identifying Black students, she reached out to students to establish the Seneca Early Childhood Educators Black Students Association (SEEBSA). Fifteen students responded to Ms. Muhaya’s invitation in fall 2020. SEEBSA’s membership has since doubled.

“SEEBSA members have inspired me in so many ways,” said Ms. Muhaya, who is also a graduate of Seneca’s Honours Bachelor of Child Development and Early Childhood Education programs. “They are passionate, dedicated, full of life, energy, humour and pride in who they are as individuals and as a collective.”

SEEBSA’s work is grounded in the values of care, well-being and community through partnership. The association’s primary goals are to develop initiatives that benefit Black students in the Seneca community and provide “a second home” where they can feel safe and heard.

Every Friday evening, members meet on Zoom calls filled with frank conversation, support and lots of fun. Over the past year, SEEBSA has hosted inspirational speaking events with professors, developed a community placement website for Bachelor of Child Development students and supported student recruitment efforts – domestically and internationally.

Members have also served as panelists at Family Supports Institute Ontario events, negotiated certification training for members from the Institute for Change Leaders and created a WhatsApp community to support each other with issues related to education and life.

Nyembezi Zviuya is a recent graduate of the Early Childhood Education program. Using her experience as a high school teacher, Ms. Zviuya has helped guide SEEBSA outreach and recruitment initiatives, with a focus on showcasing Black student success stories.

“As a person of African descent, SEEBSA represents a community where I feel the camaraderie from shared histories and experiences and from a common interest in working towards personal success – that of Black families represented within the group and of the Black community at large,” said Ms. Zviuya. “SEEBSA’s formation and successes so far should galvanize Black students in other disciplines to organize. Ultimately, we need to coalesce, find areas of shared interests and have an action plan to realize our aspirations.”

As SEEBSA marks its first year of activity – and Black History Month – it will host a virtual celebration for its members. The association will also continue its work to increase Black student visibility and empowerment. As it has been from the beginning, SEEBSA’s activities will be rooted in the values of cross-cultural understanding, empathy, love and celebrating unique and shared experiences.

“Initiatives like SEEBSA will position Seneca as a leading institution that is creating sustainable change,” said Ms. Muhaya. “It is key to be embedded as a true partner and build trust. This spirit of reciprocity is what will help everyone reach their goals.”