New student awards named in honour of Black and African Nova Scotian community leaders
Supporting NSCC's Black and African Nova Scotian students
In 2023, NSCC, in collaboration with NSCC's Black African Nova Scotian Employee Resource Network (BAERN), established four new awards to support Black and African Nova Scotian students at NSCC. The awards are named to recognize Black and African Nova Scotian leaders whose work inspires and impacts their communities, previously honouring Rocky Jones, Deanna Mohamed and Chester Borden. Thanks to donor-funding to the Foundation, BAERN is continuing this initiative by naming four new $2,500 awards after community leaders to recognize their incredible impact and contributions to their communities.
"Feelings of joy resonate as we embrace the educational journeys of Black and African Nova Scotian NSCC students while honouring the past and present contributors to our rich legacies," says BAERN Co-Chair Kaneka Watkins-Jackson, Manager, Co-curriculum Development, NSCC.
Guiding principles and new community leaders recognized
The BAERN's guiding principles are to promote the safety, equity and inclusion of People of African descent in NSCC's policies, programs and campus life across the province, as well as the visibility, connection and support for Black and African Nova Scotian students. Each year, based on their principles, the BAERN nominates and votes on community leaders who will be celebrated with an award in their name. This year's awards recognize the following:
- The Barbara Roberts Aya Award: Barbara has been a practicing Social Worker for the past 13 years. Barbara owns and operates a private practice called Roberts Wellness Services, where she provides counselling services, consultation and facilitation services from an Anti-Racist and Africentric Approach. She is currently working as a Student Services Advisor and African Canadian support person at NSCC and has also worked as a faculty member with NSCC teaching in the School of Health and Human Services. This year's award honours her commitment to education and community service. Learn more about Barbara's award.
- The Crystal States Community Award: Crystal States is a beacon of hope and compassion in the social services field with over 30 years of dedication. She is the Program Administration Officer of the first Northeastern Regional Office for the Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs and a former Regional Educator for 22 years with the Black Educators Association of NS – Northern Region. Her career has integrated education and community development with a strong focus on strategic growth, collaboration and building partnerships. She has a proven record of supporting and empowering youth and respecting and honouring elders and ancestors of African descent. She is a former chair and current member of various boards and committees supporting her community. This year's award honours her commitment to the advancement of African Nova Scotians and community building. Learn more about Crystal and the award.
- The Doreen Paris Memorial Award: This award honours the legacy of the late Doreen Paris. Doreen was a member of the Nova Scotia Advisory Council on the Status of Women and, in the year 2000, was the Nova Scotia Representative to the Status of Women Hearings at the United Nations, New York City. Doreen served as the third non-clergy female Moderator of the African United Baptist Association (AUBA) of Nova Scotia and the President of the AUBA Women's Institute. Doreen passed away in 2019, her presence and advocacy is greatly missed. This year's award honours her role as a powerhouse for positive change and uplifting the African Nova Scotian community. Learn more about Doreen and the award.
- The Patrick Colley Community Award: As a student support worker at NSCC's Truro Campus, Patrick Colley has helped hundreds of students and is known for his strong presence both on campus and in the community. He continues to make a lasting impact on students and is passionate about helping them pursue their academic and life goals. This year's award honours his dedication to supporting students through their academic journey and finding employment after graduation. Learn more about Patrick's award.
"The relevance and essentialness of these financial awards is more than the dollar amounts. So many Black and African Nova Scotians may have imagined a different life than what was dealt to them," said BAERN Co-Chair Daniel Criss, Health and Human Services Faculty, NSCC. "These awards are another step in correcting the disadvantaging of this distinct population of Black and African Nova Scotians."
Make a difference today
Learn more about ways to give to the NSCC Foundation and contact us to discuss how you can support Black and African Nova Scotian students at NSCC:
By phone (toll-free): 1-866-745-7919 | Fax: (902) 491-4828
Email:
To see options for giving online:
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