Professor Boulou Ebanda de B'béri has been named as the University’s first Special Advisor on Anti-Racism and Inclusive Excellence.
His appointment follows the announcement last week by President Jacques Frémont of a new Action Committee on Anti-Racism and Inclusiion. The creation of this new role, and Professor Boulou Ebanda de B'béri’s appointment, is another concrete step the University is taking to address racism and ensure our campus is a welcoming environment for all members of our community.
“I am particularly touched by the vote of confidence that the University of Ottawa's administration has shown in awarding me co-leadership of this important action committee,” says Boulou Ebanda de B'béri.
“I have been a professor at uOttawa for 16 years, and during that time, we have made enormous efforts to diversify our student population. Now we must work together to both create a healthy environment for everyone and increase the diversity of our academic and administrative bodies. I will do my best to ensure that the next 16 years reflect the same changes we have made to our student populations.”
Professor Boulou Ebanda de B'béri will co-chair the Action Committee on Anti-Racism and Inclusion and work closely with faculties, services and all student bodies to implement the committee’s recommendations.
The Action Committee’s work is vital to furthering the inclusion of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Colour) members of the University community and eliminating barriers to our diversity and inclusion efforts. A call for nominations for members of the committee is underway and we encourage our students, faculty, and staff to nominate those who are best suited to move our community forward.
“Professor Boulou Ebanda de B'béri’s experience, expertise and leadership will most definitely help to ensure the University moves rapidly to become a more inclusive, diverse and welcoming campus,” said uOttawa Provost and Vice-President Academic Affairs Jill Scott.
Boulou Ebanda de B'béri is a Full Professor in Communication at the Faculty of Arts, where his research focuses on practices of identity formation in multicultural nations, cultural history and cultural memory. His current insight-research focuses on 19th century Canadian Black Press and its connection with the transatlantic world.
His appointment is for a one-year term beginning in the new year.