When the African Caribbean Student Alliance dissolved during the COVID pandemic, a gap in student groups was left behind. Sociology student Rayyah Sempala set out to create a new space in the summer of 2022, when she recruited some friends to help her launch the Black Students Alliance (BSA).

“I wanted to volunteer and go to group events, but there was nothing for us. I felt that there was a need for more community on campus,” says Sempala, who is not only the group’s founder but also its president.

The new group started small, with a few people advertising with posters and QR codes, and online-only operations through Discord. During those early days, they made goals and established the group’s identity

“Our three mandates are community, advocacy and awareness. We want to bring Black students together,” says Sempala. Externally, the group aims to increase awareness of Black issues and Black student issues, and to create a network to connect Black students to resources that they might not otherwise have access to.

She adds that the group is not exclusionary, and is open to all students at MacEwan. “If students want to learn about Black culture and meet new friends, the group is open. We’ll always encourage people to come and join.”

Since the Fall term, the BSA has been offering events for members – monthly debate nights, study halls and a book club. They’re planning to host guest speakers, a trivia night, an Afro-karaoke event and even a gala this semester. 

As part of Black History Month, they’ve partnered with MacEwan to bring in community vendors for a pop-up shop. Being asked to help with that planning meant a lot to the group, Sempala says.

“That was very impactful. It shows that MacEwan wants to bring in the student voice, especially the Black student voice, and to let them be a part of the process and say what they would like to see on campus.”

That sense of inclusion and community is something that Sempala hopes to see more of, especially during Black History Month.

“Black History Month is a time where people come and celebrate Black culture, Black history, and acknowledge the existence and the celebration of the Black community. To me, it is every day, but the month is a communal celebration of Black culture.”

To learn more about programming and events for Black History Month at MacEwan, visit MacEwan.ca/BlackHistoryMonth.