Black History Month: Panel Discussion

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Dawn Russell Student Lounge

You are invited to join us for an engaging Black History Month panel discussion featuring Black professionals, students, and alumni as they share their experiences and insights on critical topics such as equity, representation, and career journeys. This event offers a unique opportunity to hear inspiring stories, foster meaningful dialogue, and reflect on the importance of diversity and inclusion in education and beyond. Open to all students, staff, faculty, and community members, this panel promises to be both enlightening and empowering. Be sure to join the conversation!    The panel is moderated by STU's Cultural Diversity Coordinator, Saa Andrew Gbongbor.

This event is brought to you by the Black Student Association, the African and Caribbean Students Club, and the Cultural Diversity Coordinator’s office.

MEET THE PANELISTS

Saa Andrew Gbongbor - Panel Moderator

Originally from Sierra Leone, Saa Andrew Gbongbor graduated from STU in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Human Rights. Throughout his career, he has advocated for positive change for diverse groups across New Brunswick and Canada. He is currently the Cultural Diversity Coordinator at St. Thomas University.

Boluwatise Oduntan

Boluwatise Oduntan is a 4th-year international student from Nigeria, pursuing a double major in Communications & Public Policy and Digital Media and Creative Arts, with a minor in Business. As a student leader, she advocates for the rights of Black students and has held various recognized positions on campus. Boluwatise is also the co-founder of the African Caribbean Club.

Pearl Afriyie Gyamfi

Pearl Afriyie Gyamfi, hailing from the Akan ethnic group in West Africa, Ghana, is a dedicated advocate for Black and African students at St. Thomas University. She is a fourth-year student majoring in Criminology and Criminal Justice with a minor in Digital Media and Creative Arts.

Pearl plays a significant role in student leadership and advocacy, currently serving as the Vice President Administration (VP Admin) for the 2024/25 academic year at the St. Thomas University Student Union. She is also the co-founder of the St. Thomas University African Caribbean Students Club and previously served as the Vice President of the Black Student Association, as well as the 2022/23 African Ambassador for the St. Thomas University International Student Association.

Academically, Pearl holds an IBDP diploma with Higher Level studies in Global Politics, Literature, and Business Studies. Her commitment to student well-being and advocacy earned her the prestigious title of 2024 NBSA Student Advocate of the Year, recognizing her impactful contributions to student life and engagement.

Sylenah Beckford

Sylenah Beckford is from Kingston, Jamaica. She holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Psychology from STU (2021). Sylenah is the Residence Administration Supervisor at STU. She leads the administrative aspects of the Residence system at STU. Beyond managing all applications, assignments, etc., she is also responsible for student staff hiring and training and takes the lead on residence conduct issues. The Residence Administration Supervisor works most closely with the Residence Life Supervisor, reports to the Director of Housing and Community Standards, and collaborates with teams of Residence Coordinators and Residence Advisors. Sylenah is also part of a larger Student Services team and works closely with staff from many other offices on campus.

Graham Nickerson

Graham Nickerson is a multidisciplinary Black historian. In his previous life, he focused on underwater archeology and contributed to discovering and mapping several important cultural heritage sites. Graham also works tirelessly within the Black community as a member of the New Brunswick Black History Society, The Tomlinson Lake Hike to Freedom, and the Black Loyalist Heritage Society. Graham is currently working on his PhD titled, "To Be Made Majesties Of," a study on the evolution of Black Loyalist Society. Graham is also a producer on the Loyalist Connections Podcast, which studies the throughlines of Black African Nova Scotian communities. Graham garnered recognition from the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission, which named him a future leader in 2022. Graham currently works with STU as an EDI strategist.