0
0
The Canadian Black Scientists Network
By: Priscilla Wiredu
An infinitude of Afrocentric establishments is assembled to empower Black people to follow their academic interests and pursue Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). These coalitions aim to elevate, visualize, celebrate, and connect like-minded Black individuals to transform the standard of science across Canada and the world.
These establishments provide an avenue of success that allow Black people to put forth their ideas and share them with a community that is accepting and ready to make technological advancements in various industries.
The Canadian Black Scientists Network is one of these recognized establishments.
What Is the Canadian Black Scientists Network? (CBSN)
The Canadian Black Scientists Network is a national federation of Black people who possess or are interested in pursuing higher education in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine/Health (STEMM). CBSN’s senior leaders and allies have demonstrated devotion to the call to action for further Black inclusion among these industries. The demand for new insight and ideas among people of colour require a level of acceptance to critically assess different experiences useful for innovation.
In July 2020, the CBSN emerged on behalf of the inaugural President and the University of Toronto’s Black Research Network member Madyianne Andrade. The network has over 500 members who support the idea to provide robust opportunities for Black academics, graduates, volunteers, research administrators, and practitioners in STEM.
These graduates are able to put forth their academic experience in a rigorous setting that prepares them for complex work in the real world. Beyond the scope of lectures, the network provides new opportunities that allow Black people to engage in conferences, policy development, and panels.
CBSN emerged to include the intersectional identities of Black Canadians, Black people who reside in Canada, and Black Canadians living abroad. The network aims to create a safe space and connectivity amongst its members, along with contributing programs and strategic directions they value.
The Canadian Black Scientists Network caters to those who identify as Black and descendants of Black Africans.
They also partner with other organizations that aim to dismantle discriminatory challenges and barriers in STEM that others have faced. They fight to address the harsh realities of racism and discriminatory practices to create a more equitable society for all Canadians.
Events
CBSN holds regional nodes, which are networking and recruiting opportunities across Canada. Depending on one’s location, they offer resources such as regional programs and other advanced opportunities for people. Both nodes are supported by the network’s national office.
Every year, the Canadian Black Scientists Network hosts a Canadian Black Scientists Network Youth regional science fair in partnership with Dalhousie University and Imhotep’s Legacy Academy. This ensures that there is participation among the youth by partnering with educational institutions. The convenience of these science fairs allows the youth to be prepared and seek new ventures.
A rundown of their qualifications helps interested students present their work and they have the opportunity to be judged in final competitions during a five-month period.
Those who did not win the finals can receive a cash prize or mentorship opportunity. It is a tremendous opportunity for Black youth to engage in STEM and to network with other like-minded students.
CBSN also has many partners and sponsors for their events. They range from STEM seminars about available scholarships and guest speakers at their 2024 Annual Black Excellence in STEM Conference. They consist of panels, career and science fairs, networking and keynote opportunities, and an awards show as its closing ceremony.
Their events calendar provides up-to-date information about upcoming events.
BE-STEMM Beyond Borders
The BE-STEM Beyond Borders is an initiative directed by the University of Calgary’s professor Jennifer Adams that cultivates cross-border collaborations and sharing practices that address racial equity in STEM. Funded by public diplomacy from the United States Embassy and Consulates in Canada, working group members facilitate dialogues about ways to ensure racial equity in Leadership, Policy, Post-Secondary Education, and K-University Pathways.
BE-STEM Beyond Borders’ mission is to effectively compare and contrast policy environments in North America, as well as:
- Conduct an investigative literature review of their area of expertise and theme
- Oversee the data and information required for their projects, unavailable in Canada
- Integrate promising practices and policy recommendations
- Keep track of a timeline of achieved equity
Memberships
To become a member of CBSN, an individual will have access to an online membership form that should be filled out along with an additional form to nominate an ally to join the network.
CBSN also offers a Membership Program in which members can connect to mentors, mentees, and peers who seek guidance from Black-identifying individuals who are involved or interested in pursuing STEM careers, living in Canada or abroad.
The program hopes to foster growth and supportive relationships of Black STEM professionals in Canada.
CBSN is currently offering opportunities to work with external partners that can connect undergraduate and high school students with space and pilot programs.
They also have directories for CBSN members, the steering committee, and elected allies.
Contact
The Canadian Black Scientists Network has a number of programs that align with its mission and core values. They are always seeking intellectual Black people regardless of their age, gender, or sexuality to help their organization grow with the support of interested Canadians. They offer a contact form for those wishing to inquire about any opportunities, events, or information about the organization.
Their social media is listed below:
The CBSN fights to change the face of science in Canada. Their overall goal is to increase the flow of Black youth into STEM career paths and learning opportunities.
Priscilla Wiredu is a writer for this year’s Black Voice project. An alumni of York University, she graduated with Honors where she studied Social Sciences. She then went on to get an Ontario Graduate certificate in Creative Writing from the Humber School for Writers, and a college certificate in Legal Office Administration at Seneca College. She is currently studying for the LSAT in hopes of going to law school. Her main goal as a Black Voices writer is to ensure Black issues and Black Pride are enunciated through her works.