Get to know BFI
BFI brings the GBC Black community and their allies together for meaningful conversations, reflections, and actions that promote their success and well-being.
We work closely with the entire institution to foster more welcoming environments, ensuring that Black students, staff, and faculty feel supported and valued. Our efforts are dedicated to promoting equity, challenging the status quo, and creating a vibrant and engaged culture of inclusion and respect. We work to address systemic challenges and build new spaces that uplift and empower the GBC Black community.
Black Futures directly supports and contributes to GBC's Strategy 2026, Anti-Racism Action Plan, and the Scarborough Charter.
The Gathering Space
The Gathering Space is a sanctuary/third space for the Black community and allies at GBC. It offers a comfortable environment for reflection, healing, and open conversations. Designed to build resilience and foster meaningful connections, this space encourages storytelling, political education, and community engagement. Here, you can join healing workshops, celebrate cultural events, and participate in interactive art activities that honour Black identity and creativity.
Visit us in room 581C of 200 King St. E. (St.James Campus)
Black Futures Research Studio
Black Futures Research Studio (BFRS) is the research arm of BFI, advancing innovation and academic excellence. Using action-based Black research methods, BFRS works to create knowledge that tackles systemic barriers and promotes equity. Through collaborations, research talks, and mentorship programs, BFRS boosts GBC’s academic and community influence by amplifying Black voices and encouraging inclusive research practices.
Black Futures Month Events | February 2025
Roots & Recipes
Wednesday, Feb.5 from 11 to 1 p.m. at 300 Adelaide St. E. (St.James Campus)
Join us at the Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts to help kick off Black Futures Month at GBC. Enjoy mocktails and hors-d’oeuvres inspired by African, Caribbean, and diaspora culinary traditions, all prepared and served by students at the Chef School and the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management.
Limited spots available.
Black Disability Freedom Space
Thursday, February 6, 2025 from 12 to 1 p.m. at Black Futures Initiatives – Room 581C, 200 King St. E (St. James Campus)
Join us for a unique event that fosters connections among Black Disabled students, staff, and faculty. This gathering provides a supportive space for open discussions about the intersections of Afro-Caribbean/Black identities and Disability.
Expertly facilitated by Marty Lampkin (she/her), an Afro-Caribbean Professor in the School of Community and Social Services, the event is designed to encourage meaningful sharing and understanding in an inclusive and welcoming environment.
Please note: This event is exclusively for individuals who identify as part of both the Afro-Caribbean/Black community and the Disability community.
For the Culture – A Virtual Screening Series
Fridays from 12 - 1:30 p.m., virtual
Join us every Friday in February 2025 for a unique virtual screening of For the Culture, a CBC series exploring Black art's power to inspire change and envision new futures.
As part of our Black Futures Month programming, themed Reworlding, each episode invites us to reflect on how Black creativity, resistance, and storytelling shape transformative possibilities for our collective future.
Introduction to Reworlding
Tuesday, February 11 from 12 - 1:30 p.m., virtual
Discover the transformative concept of Reworlding in this Black Futures Month workshop. Learn how to reimagine and reconstruct social realities to create inclusive, equitable spaces for Black students, staff, and community members at George Brown College.
Through reflection and discussion, we’ll explore practical ways to challenge oppressive systems, foster collaboration, and envision futures where Black lives and communities thrive.
Register for THE reworlding workshop
BFI Expo Fair
Thursday, February 20, Waterfront Campus main level, 12 – 3:00 p.m.
The BFI Expo Fair brings together dynamic businesses, impactful organizations, and trailblazing initiatives. This event highlights the vibrant contributions that empower and uplift Black communities.
With participation from George Brown's own innovators and influential external organizations, the Expo is a hub for forging connections, discovering exciting resources, and uncovering opportunities that spark growth and collaboration. Don’t miss this chance to be part of a transformative experience showcasing our community's strength and diversity!
Umoja presents Self-Care & Black Joy
Monday, February 24 from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., virtual
Join us for a restorative session on prioritizing healing and well-being for Black faculty and staff. Through facilitated discussions and reflective exercises, this Community Lab creates a supportive space to explore pathways to restoration, build capacity for navigating complex spaces, and connect with peers in a spirit of care and mutual understanding.
Together, we’ll focus on centring ourselves and fostering practices that sustain personal and collective wellness.
Register for the Community Lab
TLX Day in collaboration with BFI
Tuesday, February 25: In-person keynote address.
Wednesday, February 26: Virtual
Celebrate Black Futures Month on Teams
Student, employee and alumni profiles
Glover is a student in Cloud Computing technologies aiming to transform Africa's technological landscape by returning and sharing his acquired skills and expertise.
Hay is a part-time faculty member with the School of Social and Community Services and founder of the Black Daddies Club — a unique community program that brings together Black fathers across the GTA.
A longtime GBC employee and active member of the Black community, Jimi Rockley has worn many hats – from the IT Infrastructure team member to Board of Governors representative.
Chef Ford is a full-time faculty member and program coordinator at the Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts Chef School, who is dedicated to uplifting and preparing students for successful culinary careers.
The Picart brothers established the Goddie Nursing Scholarship to support Black nursing students by creating new opportunities.
Jackson serves as the Black Student Success Advisor at GBC, offering academic and career advising support to assist Black students in reaching their educational and professional aspirations.
Susie Mensah is the Black Futures Initiatives Coordinator. Through her work, she hopes to cultivate a future where Black excellence is celebrated and empowered to thrive.
The Project Management alumna has built a thriving creative agency, earning recognition on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list, and has launched initiatives supporting Black entrepreneurs.
Asha leads the Black Student Success Network (BSSN), which strives to build community for Black students at George Brown College.
The Computer Programming and Analysis grad has risen through the ranks at Loblaw Digital and, in 2019, was named one of Canada's top young developers. She's using her success to help others.
The GBC alum builds paths to success in the trades for youth from diverse communities.
Chironda is a Practical Nursing graduate and a leader in the field of infection prevention and control.
The second-year Fashion Techniques and Design student created a clothing line for Black women.
Marlon Greene is an assistant coach for George Brown's men's basketball team. "What we're doing right now is historic," he says. The team is headed to the OCAA championships on March 2-4, 2023.
BlackNorth Initiative Founder and Dragon's Den investor Wes Hall shares how he overcame a very difficult childhood to rise to incredible heights in Canadian business in his 2024 book, No Bootstraps When You're Barefoot.
Rok Gueye is proof that if you have a dream, stick to it! She launched her dream career as a carpenter more than 20 years after graduating from the Construction Engineering Technician program. Now, she's an advocate for the skilled trades.
The 2018 Graphic Design program grad is the founder and creative director of UNSGND, a female-powered creative agency with an expanding client base. She created a female-centred business after noticing male-dominated board rooms during her college work placements.
Kuadey found success soon after graduating from the Fashion Techniques and Design program in 2019. Her acclaimed women's clothing brand, ISRAELLA KOBLA, sells at major retailers, including HBC and Nordstrom.
Mary Ola is the Senior Manager of Black Futures Initiatives. She's building out the bigger vision of creating safe spaces for Black students, employees and faculty that promote growth and Black flourishing.
Vivene Roberts never stops moving to ensure the needs of marginalized children and youth in foster care are being met. The 1993 Child and Youth Care grad runs a foster care agency, recently opened a foster care group home, and continually creates innovative new programming and services.
The 2022-23 captain of the varsity women's soccer team has impressive stats (OCAA All-Star x2), but it's her fellow players' success and their positive team dynamic she wants to celebrate.
The 2021 Social Service Worker program grad is a supportive housing worker, helping people with addictions and mental health challenges.
Theatre Arts - Performance grad Tymika Tafari's career kicked into high gear in 2020/21 and her star continues to rise. Now, she's looking at opportunities in the U.S. after landing a supporting role in the Roku series Slip, from executive producer Dakota Johnson.
Financial services executive, chef and accessible education advocate Ray Williams is passionate about creating opportunities for others.
