Being a University Student While Black: Documenting the Lived Experience of Black Students at uOttawa
Nov 24, 2026 — 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Join us for the next event in our Research Conversations Series entitled “Being a University Student While Black: Documenting the Lived Experience of Black Students at uOttawa” with Awad Ibrahim, Brigitte Lefebvre-Okankwu, Yéroséo Aris Kusiélé Somda, Nettie Boivin, and Britney Achu. Register for this event happening on November 24, 2026, at 12 PM.
Description
Building on a longitudinal study that is attempting to document the lived experience of Black students at the University of Ottawa, our research is following a cohort of 20 students from the time they arrive at uOttawa till their graduation and beyond. All faculties are represented in this group of 20 students, with a slight over-representation of female students, but equal representation of Francophones and Anglophones. We will give an overview of the project and the emerging themes, especially the concept of “racial oasis.” If you have Black students in your class, this session is for you.
Awad Ibrahim
Vice-Provost, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusive Excellence
Awad Ibrahim is full professor, Vice-Provost, Equity, Diversity and Inclusive Excellence and holder of the Air Canada Professorship on Anti-Racism. He is a curriculum theorist with special interest in economy of hospitality (Derrida), cultural studies, Hip-Hop, youth and Black popular culture, social foundations (i.e., philosophy, history and sociology of education), social justice and community service learning, diasporic and continental African identities, ethnography and applied linguistics. He has more than 130 publications in these areas, including 18 books.