Since they graduated from McMaster’s Bachelor of Health Sciences (BHSc) program in 2011, a group of seven friends has kept in touch, chatting about sports and life events through a group text.
One day, a single message put them on a path none of them had expected:
“Listened to my favourite radio show today, talking about how ‘not being racist’ isn’t enough anymore. That it’s clearly not working.”
The message started a conversation about how they could help foster meaningful change in the world around them.
“We were reflecting about what we can as a group do to try and make some sort of a difference,” says group member Nizar Hassan. “The conversation moved from there to the fact that Black-identifying students are unrepresented, particularly in health science and the sciences in general.”
From that first conversation, Hassan, Anthony Albina, Darren Weaver, Hun-Je Park, Nicholas Tong, Phil Wilson and Ryan Frederiks started looking at what it would take to develop a bursary for Black students at their old stomping grounds.
“We want to help create positive change,” says Frederiks. “The BHSc program is such an amazing entry point to a career in medicine or research. If someone can use this as a stepping stone to a career that is meaningful to them, which will ultimately impact the future of their family, then this bursary has been a success.”
When active listening isn’t enough
After the death of George Floyd, the world began to hear more and more stories of racial injustices and how unjust and devastating racism really is.
“We have listened intently to the pain and suffering of the black community. And while active listening is an important first step, it can’t be the only one,” says Albina.
By digging into their own wallets, tapping the shoulders of friends and turning to community donors like the Brantford General Hospital Emergency Department and the McMaster Alumni Association, the group was able to reach their initial goal of $20,000. That amount will translate into $800 a year for a Black BHSc student experiencing financial need.
“Obviously, we aren’t going to stop at $20,000, but that’s the minimum required,” says Frederiks. “If we can raise more, we’ll raise more because then we can provide more support to those who need it.”
To learn more, or to donate, click here.