Welcome to the Humber Polytechnic Black/African Employee Resource Group (BAERG)
About Us
Humber has identified as its Strategic Priority #7 under Pillar #3, Healthy and Inclusive Community, to continue to build a diverse and inclusive community of exceptional students, faculty and staff. The specific supporting action is to establish and implement an institutional framework and strategy for equity, diversity, and inclusion that addresses the needs of both students and employees.
Mission Statement
The Humber Polytechnic’s Black/African Employee Resource Group (BAERG) is dedicated to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion through continuous learning. We strive to be strategic partners with Humber, promoting an environment where all Black/African employees feel empowered, supported, and valued.
Membership
Eligibility for membership in BAERG is open to all Humber employees who identify as Black/African. We maintain a record of all members, including their department affiliations. Members have the opportunity to chair or join committees, become candidates for elected office (if applicable), and vote in ERG elections (when necessary).
Current Committees
- Advocacy & Research
- Events
- Communications & Engagement
Coming Together
Since our inception back in September 2020, we have:
- Held numerous Black Heritage events.
- Launched BA-ERG Student Visionary Scholarship - This scholarship is designed to empower and support Black/African students in their post-secondary education. This scholarship is a testament of our commitment to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion, and belonging through continuous learning.
- Facilitated Networking - Members build meaningful relationships with fellow colleagues. We share information, ideas, support initiatives, with the aim being to help our members grow personally and professionally.
- Participated in the Humber's Spaces and Places Showcase.
- Connected with students from Black Student Success and Engagement (BSSE).
- Continued support and mentoring participation in the BSSE Black Futures Mentorship Program.
- Hosted speakers such as Mitzie Hunter, Celina Ceaser-Chavannes, Dr. MaryAnne Chambers, Dr. Tanya O. Williams.
- Held various outreach programs, including the launch of the Donate to Jamaica Hurricane Relief Drive, after Hurricane Melissa devastated our Caribbean neighbor.
- Started a Quarterly Spotlight to showcase talent from our community.
- Created the BAERG New Faculty and Staff Mentoring Program.
- Created a safe space for powerful discussions on events which impact our community.
Important Information
The Terms of Reference for the BAERG can be found on our BAERG Terms of Reference document.
Get Involved
Interested in joining BAERG or learning more about our initiatives? Contact our Co-chairs to explore opportunities for active involvement. We welcome your participation at our monthly meetings as we work together to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion at Humber Polytechnic.
If you have any further questions about the BAERG, please contact us at baerg@humber.ca.
About Our Logo
We foster an environment of belonging, great camaraderie, and positive energy. We also create a brave and safe space for our members to have easy and difficult conversations, share experiences, increase awareness, uncover new skills for personal and professional development, be their authentic selves and "shine bright like a diamond" to quote Rihanna.
Ezra White Okebiro, a Black identifying student in the Web Design and Development at Humber Polytechnic designed our logo, postcards and bookmarks. Ezra received Co-Curricular Record (CCR), a record of skill development outside of the classroom.
