Black at Western

The Black Students' Association (BSA) is a USC student-run club at the University of Western Ontario. Since its inception in 1993, the BSA has been deeply invested in the Black student experience at Western. The BSA is committed to keeping our members informed of political/social issues affecting people of colour within the UWO/London community and ultimately around the world. The BSA seeks to foster community ties and provide a safe space for students to socialize. 

The African Students' Association (ASA) is a cultural club that celebrates and raises awareness of African culture at Western University and around the City of London. The ASA engages members in socio-political forums that provide a platform to discuss issues Africans face in Canada and abroad. Another central part of their mission is to provide a home away from home for African students new to Canada, and to support them during their enculturation at Western. Their vision is to create a better awareness, understanding, and appreciation of African culture and to break down social barriers between Africans and non-Africans.  

The Caribbean Students' Organization (CSO) at Western University provides a home away from home for those from the Caribbean, as well as a link to your roots for those who have a Caribbean background. The CSO hopes to raise awareness and educate both the Western community and wider London population on the culture of the region. This mission is “To preserve Caribbean culture by educating the University of Western Ontario population while providing a spirited community for all West Indian students.” 

The Black Future Lawyers (BFL) Western Chapter is a student-run club that engages members of Western’s Black community who are interested in gaining a broader understanding of legal education and a career in law. The BFL recognizes the systemic barriers that Black students face within the legal community and strives to tackle those barriers by increasing access to exclusive vital resources such as roundtable discussions, presentations, panels, workshops, mentorship, and networking opportunities. 

The African Students Fellowship - Aims to foster a vibrant community of students who are passionate about their Christian faith and their heritage. We are dedicated to creating a welcoming space where students can deepen their relationship with God, celebrate the African diaspora, and cultivate friendships. Through prayer and worship, we aim to empower our members to grow spiritually, academically, and personally.

The student led club Black in STEM exists to create an inclusive environment for Black students within the STEM field. Through this club, they hope to allow Black students to gain further insight about prospective career paths, offer networking opportunities, and post-grad guidance in respective fields while reducing feelings of imposter syndrome that many may experience. 

The Western Future Black Physicians (WFBP) is a ratified club at Western University, London, Ontario. Their mission is to increase the representation of Black individuals in medicine by providing useful resources and support systems. 

The Canadian Black Nurses Alliance Western University Chapter is a student extension of the Canadian Black Nurses Alliance (CBNA) initiative. The goal of this club at Western University is aimed towards creating a community for black nursing students and allies here on campus. This will be an open and professional space where our members can network with other students across various levels and branches of the program, encourage and support each other, and participate in future conferences and programs conducted by the CBNA. 

The Black Law Students' Association 'Western Chapter' (BLSA) - A dynamic student-led organization at the Faculty of Law, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for Black law students. Their mission revolves around promoting diversity within the legal field, advocating for social justice, and ensuring the academic and professional success of our members. Through mentorship programs, networking events, community outreach, and social gatherings, the BLSA aims to bridge the gap between Black law students and professionals in the field, fostering relationships and facilitating opportunities. 

The Black Students at Ivey Collective (BSIC) aims to engage Black students at Ivey by creating a community that helps them feel included and valued. BSIC strives to build and nurture each other’s success through networking, mentorships, and employment opportunities. To ensure an inclusive environment at Ivey for all minority groups, BSIC will advocate for minority groups and serve as a liaison between minority groups and Ivey on diversity issues. BSIC strives to provide a space for black students to connect and share their experiences.

The King's Black Student Association (KBSA) mission is to create an inclusive and welcoming environment where students at King's University College can build community and engage in cultural experiences. Their objectives are to build community, promote Black culture, act as a liaison, and increase inclusivity and participation.

The Huron Black Student Association is a first-ever Huron diversified club that engages Huron Students to appreciate different cultures present across Huron. The aim of the club is to showcase Black Students’ diversity, promoting a sense of belonging as well as promoting an inclusive environment for Huron students. Our community is stronger together and through the HBSA executive team and general members, we care and value each other. We envision a community where Leaders with Heart value each other and we achieve the mission of the club in collective action.

The Black Medical Students’ Association of Canada (BMSAC) is a collaborative network of Black medical students across Canada. Their mission is to secure equitable representation of Black students in Canadian medical schools and to advocate for more inclusive medical training that equips all learners to better serve the healthcare needs of underserved Black communities across Canada. Black Medical Students’ Association of Canada provides support to local BMSA chapters throughout the nation. 

If you are looking for support at your institution, here is the contact information for local Black Medical Students’ Associations (BMSAs) such as the Black Medical Student Association- Western Chapter. Learn more or contact them via email: schulichbmsa@gmail.com.

The Black At Western Alumni (BAWA) Chapter aims to create a network whereby Black alumni and current students achieve greater success through stronger connections with one another and with the broader Western community. BAWA also aims to help nurture an environment that is inclusive and free from anti-Black racism by making related recommendations to the university and advising the Alumni Association’s board of directors on Black alumni engagement issues and opportunities.