‘It’s important to celebrate our accomplishments’ — Nigerian-born professor marks Black history month in Canada

Aloy Anyichie, a Nigerian-Canadian professor and founder of Loy Excellentia Initiative, says it is important to celebrate the contributions of black people in the diaspora.

Anyichie spoke on Saturday at an event organised by the Loy Excellenta Initiative to mark Black history month at Brandon University (BU) and Assiniboine Community College (ACC), Brandon, Canada.

“Such celebrations remind us that Africans are born to be successful and excel wherever they find themselves and the need to rise together as one,” the professor said.

“Reflecting on my journey as a PhD student, the challenges and opportunities, especially the mentorship experiences and how they shaped the future that I am living today, I thought that it would be wonderful to create opportunities for African/Black Students to be able to gain the support they need to excel.

“I hate seeing someone experiencing a similar challenge I have navigated. That is the spark for the founding of Loy Excellentia Initiative.”

The initiative is founded to empower African students to excel through mentorship and support programs.

Anyichie encouraged the students to never forget where they are coming from and the African cultural heritage and values of collectivism enshrined in group goals, personal and interpersonal relationships, hospitality, resilience, and hard work.

He urged the African students to come together as one and be empowered to be successful through the mentorship opportunities Loy Excellentia is freely offering them.

Jeff Fawcett, mayor of Brandon, commended the Loy Excellentia Initiative for providing opportunities for students.

Fawcett welcomed students from around the world to Brandon, noting a significant change in this trend over the last generation.

“Many individuals come here seeking educational opportunities, and what initiatives like Loy Excellentia do is provide a better chance to establish connections… It helps students feel comfortable more quickly, giving them someone to talk to and encouraging involvement in the broader community,” the mayor said.

Fawcett added that such support creates a base of people with whom students feel connected, enabling them to be more adventurous and engaged in the community, which is critical.