The Black Student Success Network (BSSN) at George Brown College (GBC) has a new space to call home. 

Dedicated to black students, faculty, and staff to promote the success of black students at GBC. It is a space to meet, talk, connect, and access the support they need.  

“Previously, we have been operating either virtually or, whenever we have on campus events, we book a room. So, it’s nice to have this space for our meeting and students know that any event that is happening is going to be held at this space and they can always come [here] at certain times to meet us or access certain resources and study,” said Wangechi Mwaura, program assistant of BSSN. 

The space is located in the basement at St. James (200 King St. E. and is comprised of two main areas.  

One includes a front desk and a space for study, while the other is designated for meeting, offices, and a library. Students can find resources for self-care, books on black identity, and much more in its library. 

With addressing the main challenges of black students, Mwaura explains about two concepts:  connection and loneliness.  

 “A lot of black students face loneliness. I just talk about my own personal experience, when I first came here, I obviously didn’t have a lot of friends. I was the only black person [in my class]. There weren`t many people that looked like me. When I found out about the BSSN, I was excited. Because I can attend their meetings, connect people, and finds friends.”  

BSSN provides services in four pillars: academic tutoring, mentoring, information and referrals and social engagement. 

BSSN also offers special activities for each week including things like ‘Wellness Tuesday’ for first Tuesday of each month. 

Students who want to know more about BSSN can visit their Instagram page at @ bssn_gbc, GBC website, or email them at bssn@georgebrown.ca.