As we mark Black History Month (BHM) in February, we of course recognize and celebrate the leadership, commitment, and contributions of Black students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members who help shape our Faculty every day.  We also celebrate our community’s commitment to building a more inclusive legal profession in the near and far future.

I would like to draw particular attention to the resources and opportunities available to Black law students, as highlighted on our Black Applicants webpage. This page was created intentionally — to ensure that prospective Black students feel encouraged to apply and confident that they will be supported throughout their legal education. It reflects our commitment to a holistic admissions process, and to fostering an environment in which Black students can thrive academically, professionally, and personally. From curriculum offerings engaging racial justice and critical race theory, to dedicated wellness, mentorship, counselling, and financial supports, these initiatives are designed to support student success as our Faculty strives to advance equity.

A very warm thank you to Vice Dean Pacifique Manirakiza who has been deeply involved in initiatives involving balck students and faculty. A specialist in international criminal law, and a full professor at the Faculty, he has taken on a leadership role in the Programme de common law en français (PCLF) and has been a member of the steering committee for an action plan on Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility. He is also an active supporter of the Black Law Students’ Association, University of Ottawa Chapter (BLSA uOttawa). It is a pleasure to work with him as a member of the executive team, and he contributes an enormous amount to our community.

We are deeply grateful to Gladys Osien, LLB ’19, for her ongoing leadership as our Black Legal Mentor-in-Residence and Special Advisor to the Dean on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. In her work with the BLSA uOttawa, Gladys has provided mentorship, guidance, and support to students, while also working with administrators to better understand the lived realities and experiences of Black students. She has been an integral part of a recent Faculty strategic planning process which includes objectives for equity, diversity, and inclusion.  

Gladys is an active and influential voice at our leadership table, and her contributions continue to strengthen our community.   She was a special guest at the BHM Speed Networking event on February 5, a unique opportunity for students to connect with Black professionals, hear their stories, and build relationships.

Advancing equity through innovation has been a central priority of my deanship. I am thrilled to recognize Garrick Apollon, LLB ‘03, Director of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, whose entrepreneurship clinic is transforming how we train future lawyers to work with small businesses and local entrepreneurs. As the founding director of the Norton Rose Fulbright Entrepreneurship and Innovation Legal Clinic, Apollon leads an initiative that provides legal support to Indigenous, Black and social entrepreneurs across Canada. 

On February 24, Professor Apollon will be hosting a Black History Month CPD cinema event featuring Our Children, Our Future: The Legacy of Principal Thando Hyman. This original documentary by Professor Apollon chronicles the remarkable journey of Principal Thando Hyman, a prominent Black school principal in Toronto who dedicated her life to transforming the education system and confronting anti-Black racism. 

We also want to acknowledge the important work and leadership of BLSA uOttawa and particularly its Co-Presidents, Daniella Chukwu and Grace Tsegakele. The Ottawa chapter fosters community through social events, collaborations with other Black student groups, and initiatives that promote awareness and education about racism and discrimination within the legal system. Their work reminds us that future lawyers are also future leaders and agents of change. BLSA uOttawa is hosting two excellent events this month: