Our Vision | What We Aspire to Be and Do
The Black Student Success Centre is dedicated to supporting and championing the holistic (academic, personal and professional) success and overall well-being of Black/African-descent students and fostering a positive Black student and athlete experience. The BSSC is a safe space where students can meet, share, socialize and access specialized support and services.
Our Purpose | Why We Exist
Black students across Canadian universities sometimes feel isolated on campuses and are less likely to access student support services. The BSSC exists to connect Black students to the programs, people and resources that will nurture their academic and personal growth. Our programs and services focus on building a sense of belonging and safety amongst McMaster’s Black students.
Our Approach | Ubuntu
We are guided by Ubuntu — the Southern African philosophy meaning “I am because we are.” It reminds us that our humanity is interconnected and our success is collective. This value shapes how we build community, design programs and support our students.
Our Values
Excellence
We honour and cultivate Black excellence across academics, research, arts, entrepreneurship and leadership.
Belonging
We create spaces where Black students from diverse backgrounds feel seen, valued, centred and respected — free to bring their full selves into the university experience.
Innovation
We co-design programs with students and continually evolve in response to the lived experiences, needs and aspirations of our community.
Justice
We work intentionally to dismantle systemic barriers and advance equitable outcomes for Black students at McMaster and beyond.
Our Logo and What It Communicates
Designed by Aaron Parry, Class of 2021, Social Sciences.
It was important for us to bring Black culture and excellence into our Brighter World brand, and for students to see themselves in the branding and the story that we are trying to tell. Keep reading to learn more about the use of colours and symbols and what they represent.
The black represents the rich diversity of our shared stories and points of connection – embracing and including us all, across our intersecting identities.
The gold symbolizes the prosperity and resources of Africa, Africans, and people of African descent. The gold reflects how the BSSC views students – they are gems who possess gifts and talents that enrich the McMaster community.
Our design draws inspiration from Adinkra symbols, an African visual system created by the Akan peoples of Ghana.
The Adinkra symbol, found in the centre of the logo, stands for excellence, genuineness, and authenticity. Contrary to anti-Black racist stereotypes that frame Black people as inferior, the BSSC conceptualizes students as valued and excellent. Students will be empowered, inspired, challenged, supported, and provided the tools, resources, and skill-building opportunities needed to nurture and release their excellence. They will be equipped with tools to enhance and/or restore their mental health, self-esteem, and wellbeing.
The Aya Fern, which frames the Adinkra Symbol in the logo, represents endurance and resourcefulness. Despite the barriers that Black students face in higher education, many have endured, thrived, and have gone on to excel and achieve their goals and dreams and those of their families and communities. Many Black students have needed to be resourceful in the ways they have navigated often-difficult environments. Instead of Black students journeying alone, the BSSC endeavours to be a resource that supports students and assists them in imagining a brighter tomorrow.
Notice that the symbol for Excellence is intentionally held together by the “hardy” ferns. This is key for BSSC; we are looking to the future with optimism, coaching students to imagine a brighter tomorrow