Loy Excellentia hosted its 2026 Black History Month Celebration at Brandon University, bringing together students of African descent and Black students, faculty members, university leadership, and community partners for a comprehensive afternoon of reflection, recognition, mentorship, and community engagement.
Held under the theme “Unravelling Canadian Black History: Acknowledging the Past and Mentoring the Future,” the celebration explored the historical foundations, ongoing contributions, and future aspirations of Black communities in Canada. It emphasized the importance of mentorship and institutional collaboration as pathways to sustainable progress.
Welcome Reception and Opening Ceremony
The event began with registration and a welcome reception featuring light refreshments, Afrobeat rhythms, and live jazz performed by the BU Jazz Band. The atmosphere fostered early connection among students, faculty, and community guests, reflecting the spirit of inclusion and belonging central to Loy Excellentia’s mission.
The formal program commenced with a land acknowledgement delivered by Greg Gatien, Acting Vice-President (Academic), recognizing the traditional lands on which the university operates and reaffirming shared responsibility toward reconciliation and equity.
An opening prayer was offered by Dr. Aloy Anyichie, Founder of Loy Excellentia, grounding the event in reflection and gratitude.
Dr. Alysha Farrell, Dean of the Faculty of Education, delivered the official welcome address. She reaffirmed the university’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusive learning environments, emphasizing the role of higher education institutions in fostering spaces where students from all backgrounds can thrive academically and personally.
An interactive bingo-style icebreaker followed, encouraging dialogue and engagement among attendees at the outset of the program.
Opening Address and National Context
In his opening address, Dr. Anyichie reflected on the significance of Black History Month in Canada and highlighted the 2026 national theme: “30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries.” He emphasized that the purpose of the gathering extended beyond celebration. It was an intentional effort to listen to student experiences and translate those voices into action through structured mentorship, advocacy, and leadership development initiatives.
Dr. Anyichie, the first from Brandon to receive Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Award, reiterated Loy Excellentia’s mission, grounded in mentorship, empowerment, excellence, and advocacy, noting that sustained progress requires both institutional partnership and community accountability.
Keynote Address: Black History as a Living Narrative
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Balfour Spence, Professor at Brandon University. His presentation invited participants to critically reflect on Black history in Canada as a living and evolving narrative that continues to shape educational institutions, public policy, and community life. Dr. Spence emphasized mentorship as a bridge between past and future generations:
“Our challenge is to strengthen the foundation laid by those before us, so that future generations can stand on our shoulders with confidence and move society toward equity and justice.”
His remarks underscored the importance of historical awareness, institutional responsibility, and intergenerational leadership.
Student Voices and Guided Dialogue
A central component of the program was a structured group discussion session that invited students to share their lived experiences as African and Black students in Brandon. Participants reflected on belonging, representation, academic support systems, and opportunities for institutional growth.
These discussions provided valuable insights into student experiences and reinforced the importance of maintaining spaces that elevate student voice within academic settings.
Eigbonogah Jude, a first-year Web and Interactive Development student at Assiniboine College, described the event as affirming:
“Being in a space where my culture and identity are celebrated rather than simply included creates a strong sense of belonging. It turns the university and college into a true home.”
Inauguration of the Loy Excellentia Service Award
A major highlight of the event was the inauguration of the Loy Excellentia Service Award, established to recognize students who demonstrate sustained commitment to volunteering and community engagement. The 2026 Service Award was presented to Arinzechi Kenechukwu Kingsley, a first-year Nursing student at Brandon University, in recognition of his sustained dedication to service.
Reflecting on the honour, Kingsley noted:
“Receiving this award reminds me that consistency and service matter. Volunteering has strengthened my leadership, teamwork, discipline, and sense of responsibility.”
He encouraged fellow students to engage in volunteer opportunities as a means of developing skills beyond the classroom.
Looking Ahead: Mentorship and Student Opportunities
The celebration also featured an interactive Mentorship, Leadership, and Volunteering Session, facilitated by Dr. Anyichie. Students explored how mentorship and volunteering can support academic success, career readiness, leadership development, and personal growth. Participants were introduced to upcoming mentorship initiatives, including group mentorship, local mentorship opportunities in Brandon, and connections with professionals across sectors such as finance, immigration, and community leadership.
Introduction of the CREAMS Research Lab
Students were also introduced to Dr. Anyichie’s CREAMS Lab (Culture, Regulation of Engagement, Achievement Motivation, and Success) that focuses on the role of culture on the regulation of learning, engagement, motivation, and academic success. The research lab provides opportunities for student research participation, skills development, and volunteer engagements. The initiative seeks to integrate research, mentorship, and practical skill-building in support of holistic student growth.
Organizational Growth and Community Recognition
Over the past year, Loy Excellentia has continued to expand its impact through online webinars, a student summer picnic, and Black History Month programming that amplifies student voices and builds community. The organization has also received the 2025 Brandon community-voted Platinum Awards for service in multiple categories (e.g., Non-profit Organization, Community Organization, and Organizational Services), reflecting strong local support and trust.
Loy Excellentia also plans to offer more regular interactive events, including: social evenings, professional development workshops, and celebration of student successes. These activities complement ongoing research and mentorship initiatives, supporting students’ holistic growth.
The event concluded with a shared lunch featuring African cuisines, networking, and a group photo—closing the celebration with connection, joy, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Acknowledgements
The 2026 Black History Month Celebration was fully supported by our partners including Faculty of Education, Anti-Racism Committee, and the Diversity & Human Rights Office. The event was also strengthened through partnerships with local organizations, including the Rotary Club.
There was community representation such as Wayne Balcaen (MLA for Brandon West), and Enver Naidoo (Directo of Westman Immigrant Services). Mayor Jeff Fawcett conveyed his regrets but expressed continued support for initiatives promoting inclusion and student empowerment.
Closing and Celebration
The event concluded with a shared meal featuring African cuisines, informal networking, and a group photo. The closing moments reflected connection, cultural pride, and renewed commitment to mentorship and collective progress.
The 2026 celebration stands as a testament to the power of intentional community-building, institutional collaboration, and intergenerational leadership.
About Loy Excellentia
Loy Excellentia is a student-centered initiative dedicated to mentorship, empowerment, and excellence. The organization supports students of African descent and Black students through leadership development, research engagement, institutional collaboration, and community-building grounded in equity and shared responsibility.