Black Inclusion and Flourishing at UVic
Recognizing the negative and enduring impact of systemic and structural racism on Black people, UVic is working towards redressing anti-Black racism and fostering Black inclusion. One demonstration of UVic’s commitment to these goals has been signing the Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Canadian Higher Education.
Work is underway at UVic to meet commitments outlined in the Scarborough Charter. These efforts are further advanced through the collaborative efforts of the Scarborough Charter Steering Committee, and committed actions through the Equity Action Plan, and thoughtful engagement with community members and organizations on and off campus.
Learn more about the:
- Scarborough Charter at UVic - Principles
- Scarborough Charter Steering Committee
- Committee's work in-progress
- Advisor, Black Inclusion Initiatives
- Committee membership
- Dedicated space in CLE C117
- Ways to stay connected
Scarborough Charter Commitments at UVic
In December 2021, UVic signed the Scarborough Charter. Now, more than 55 other universities and colleges in the country have signed and committed to the Scarborough Charter to create an Inter-institutional Forum. Since then, UVic has begun a journey to integrate the principles and committed actions held in the Charter to create an environment for Black flourishing, inclusive excellence, mutuality and accountability.
This work occurs in solidarity with equity-deserving groups and Indigenous sovereignty. As such, we acknowledge that individuals and groups across campus and in the broader community working toward these shared goals. We hope to nuture spaces where Black flourishing and thriving is not only possible, but sustainable, prioritized and enduring for future generations. We join Scarborough Charter signatories across Canada in advancing commitments to redress anti-Black racism and foster Black inclusion in governance, research, teaching and learning, community engagement, building momentum and generating shifts across the higher education sector.
Scarborough Charter Steering Committee
The first iteration of the Scarborough Charter was drafted in 2020 and signatories followed in 2021. A Scarborough Charter Steering Committee was formed in May 2023 and plays a key role in advancing Black inclusion and flourishing on campus. The Committee centres identifying ways to develop and nourish community for Black people on and off campus. The Committee is composed of students, staff, faculty, alumni, and external community members who identify as Black, African and/or Caribbean.
In addition to applying the Scarborough Charter principles, the Steering Committee’s goals are to:
- spotlight UVic’s commitment to the Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion
- support Black flourishing and celebrate Black excellence and lived experiences
- empower Black students, staff, faculty and community members through collaborative spaces and opportunities
- increase awareness, visibility, engagement and support for Black communities on and off campus
- build a strong network where Black people feel seen, heard and valued
The Committee's work in-progress
Currently we are:
- advocating for a permanent physical space for Black people to gather, connect and collaborate and foster community on campus
- maintaining a resource list to build community and strengthen local supports
- creating and collaborating on events and initiatives that build community and celebrate Black inclusion, joy and achievements
- working closely with the inaugural Advisor, Black Inclusion Initiatives to bolster the work of the Steering Committee
- developing mentorship opportunities for Black students
- facilitating information sessions on addressing anti-Black racism and Black flourishing
- leading recurring meetings to advance our efforts
- Nurturing connections with groups on campus (e.g. UVABPA, BLSA, SOCC, ACSA) and community-based organizations
View the Interinstitutional Scarborough Charter 2023-2024 Progress & Priorities Report.
Advisor, Black Inclusion Initiatives
In 2026, the inaugural role of Advisor, Black Inclusion Initiatives was created. The Advisor, Black Inclusion Initiatives—situated in UVic’s Equity and Human Rights (EQHR)—works closely with the Scarborough Charter Steering Committee and plays a key role in upholding UVic’s commitments to addressing anti Black racism, advancing Black inclusion and honouring the principles and actions of the Scarborough Charter.
Committee membership
- Tricia Best (she/her), Co-chair, staff member
- Kelci Harris (she/her), Co-chair, faculty member
- Maryssa Grayer (she/her), Graduate student member
- Gabrielle Warrior, Undergraduate student member
- Devi Mucina (he/him), Faculty member
- Janine Mayers (she/her), Staff member
- Nicola Dove (she/her), Staff member & administrator
- Mandy Suen (she/her), Communications
Dedicated space in CLE C117
We offer a vibrant space dedicated to fostering Black inclusion and flourishing on campus. Located in the Clearihue Building (CLE117), this space is found in the oldest building on campus and faces the east direction with abundant morning light. This space, therefore, provides a historic and inviting environment ideal for building community.
Booking this space:
Are you a student, faculty, or staff member/group doing work to advance Black inclusion and flourishing on campus, and in need of space for meetings or events? Contact us at blackinclusion@uvic.ca.
Stay connected
Would you like to be updated about Black, African and/or Caribbean-specific events, resources and opportunities?
Have questions, comments or resources to share? Send an email to blackinclusion@uvic.ca.