Jimi Rockley is a longtime George Brown College (GBC) employee, whose career — and commitment to lifelong learning — has led him to GBC's IT Infrastructure team and Board of Governors. Jimi, an active member of the Black community, reflects on his time at the college, and tells us what Black Futures Month means to him.
Jimi, can you give us the “CliffsNotes” version of your career – and how you landed at GBC?
I was a high-school dropout and was working in the hospitality industry throughout Toronto. I later returned to complete my diploma as a mature student at Yorkdale Adult School. During my time there I was introduced to serval IT-focused courses, which led me to taking courses at GBC and becoming a work/study student in the IT department. Halfway through my program I paused my learning to apply for, and eventually secure, a full-time support opportunity in the emerging eLearning department. The role’s objective was to provide student support for the college's growing Learning Management System (LMS). I eventually landed a permanent job within the same department as a computer lab admin and LMS support specialist.
Over the years, I’ve never stopped my academic journey, taking courses across a spectrum of topics, including business operations, hospitality, and information technologies. I even managed to earn a certificate in Culinary Arts from GBC, a certificate in Business Analysis from McMaster University, and several industry awards along the way. I currently work within the IT Infrastructure team supporting the digital learning environment (DLE) and have recently joined the college's Board of Governors after being elected to represent my support staff colleagues.
GBC is celebrating its third annual Black Futures Month. What do these events mean to you?
It is important to continue to highlight the continued struggle to end racial injustices within the Black community, but it is also about giving space to celebrate the many past, present, and future successes within the community and hear about the impacts that have been made through shared stories and events.
Is there a particular Black Futures event you’re most interested in attending?
While they all look like fantastic events, the one that caught my eye, and I hope to be attending, is the TLX event at the end of the month. They have hosted some engaging events in the past with top-tier presentations on the intersection of DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) within the classroom and facilitating great space for dialogue around new and innovative pedagogical approaches within the classroom. I would encourage everyone to attend if they can!
What does Black History Month mean to you — and how do you typically recognize it?
Being both bi-racial and an active member within the community, I like to take some extra time to foster conversations with my daughter about stories shared with me, my own journey, and hear her own thoughts and own experiences as well. We also get a lot of great curricula from the TDSB (Toronto District School Board) which we like to explore together. I am always happy to help her when and where I can, with any questions or projects she may have. For example, last year we worked together on a project about Viola Desmond for school; and I helped her explore various soul artists, and the meaning behind their music.
How do you think our GBC community can better support our Black employees, students, and alumni?
By continuing to be an ally to the community, by providing a safe space for learning, dialogue, and growth.
Any words of wisdom that might (especially) resonate with our Black students and employees?
The late Honourable Lincoln Alexander who inspired me at a young age once said: “My determination was fuelled by my recognition from a very early age that education was the path to limitless possibility… I have seen constant reinforcement of the grandness of education, from bright and enthusiastic students — the future — to committed educators and administrators that deliver the greatest gift.” (Source.)
