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As the Centre for Black Studies in Education (CBSE) embarks on its second year, it seeks to deepen its impact across the University of Toronto’s tri-campuses and within the broader Black education community under the leadership of new director Dr. Andrew Campbell.

"This year is all about raising awareness of our programs and inviting participation," says Campbell, an assistant professor of leadership for racial justice education in the Department of Curriculum Teaching and Learning.

Founded in 2022 by members of the OISE Black Faculty Caucus, the CBSE harnesses the expertise of Black scholars to address anti-Blackness and the inequities affecting Black individuals across Canadian society, particularly in education.

This academic year, the CBSE is launching several initiatives aimed at fostering community engagement and amplifying Black voices. That includes a monthly Faculty and Student Research Colloquium to facilitate idea exchange and develop essential academic skills for Black graduate students, a Black Author Series that highlights Black professors and their publications, and the upcoming, inaugural CBSE Black Education Symposium on Jan. 28, which will explore the history of Black education in Canada.

These initiatives are designed to position the CBSE as a hub for knowledge mobilization in all areas of Black Studies. To further enhance the Centre’s impact, Campbell is eager to build partnerships with organizations and community spaces, beginning with school boards across the Greater Toronto Area, including key education institutions such as Black Centres for Excellence and Black graduation coaches.

Campbell steps into the director role excited to build upon the foundation laid by Professors Ann Lopez and Njoki Wane, who led the centre from Jan. 1, 2023 to Apr. 2024, as well as inaugural director Professor Amal Madibbo.

“When I first heard about the CBSE being established, I was elated,” says Campbell. “I know only too well the power and value of having spaces like these for Black faculty, Black students and the Black community. I was excited to contribute in any capacity, even as an adjunct faculty member.

“So, when this opportunity arose, it felt like the natural next step to intentionally pour into the the community and support Black students and faculty. Now that I am holding the baton, I intend to run as hard as I can until it’s time to pass it on.”

Currently, Campbell is focused on developing a special CBSE fund that will help graduate students maximize their OISE journey by providing financial support for conferences, workshops, research trips to Africa or the Caribbean, and other international experiential learning opportunities.

"We want to equip students with all the tools they need to thrive and contribute to their fields, whether it’s academic skills or funding to access rich research opportunities,” he says.

In addition to directing CBSE, Campbell coordinates the Black Future Educators' Pathway (BFEP) in OISE’s Master of Teaching Program, an initiative he helped develop. BFEP aims to increase the number of Black educators in schools by providing an equitable admission process and comprehensive support for Black learners. This past September, over 30 Black aspiring educators joined OISE as part of BFEP’s inaugural cohort.

For Campbell, the CBSE director role is an exciting opportunity to further channel his deep commitment to uplifting Black students and enriching their educational journeys.

“I wake up every day thinking: 'What can I do today to cultivate, sustain, nurture, and protect Black spaces, Black students, and Black joy?’

“What motivates me is seeing Black students flourish.”

Stay updated on CBSE’s upcoming events for the 2024-25 academic year by following their event page.

• September - June: Monthly Faculty / Student Research Gathering
• October 15 - 16: Black Author Series
• January 28: CBSE Black Education Symposium
• January 28: CBSE Honorary Lecture
• February 12: OISE Black Faculty in Conversation
• February and March: Elders Circle Series
• June: My Beloved Black 2s LGBTQIA+ Summit
• July: Summer Intensive Writing Retreat