Black Male Initiative

About the initiative

British Columbia is the Canadian province with the lowest representation of the Black population. As a result, it is often difficult for Black male students in particular to access the support they need.

The Black Male Initiative is designed to support UBC male students who self-identify as Black. It provides a confidential space on campus for members to connect to other Black male students, where they can share their lived experiences with one another and receive both peer and mentor support. See the list of past events held throughout the school year.

What the initiative offers

The initiative strives to support all Black male students during their time at UBC through the following:

  • Regular gatherings for authentic group conversations
  • Peer mentoring 
  • Social events
  • Networking opportunities and community building
  • Safe space for Black male students only
4 Black male students sitting at the first gathering for the Black Male Initiative

UBC students gather in the Global Lounge to learn about the Black Male Initiative.

How to participate

The initiative is open to Black male students only at the UBC Vancouver campus. If you’re interested in learning more or want to attend an event, please contact the Program Coordinator, Willie Moss, at willie.moss@ubc.ca.

Upcoming events

Get details about the next group meeting or social event.

Go to calendar

Meet the Peer and Staff Mentors

Connect with a Black Male Initiative Peer or Staff Mentor for advice, information, or tips for navigating university life.

Headshot of Kaishaun Carter

Kaishaun Carter

Kaishaun is a third-year student specializing in Finance at the Sauder School of Business. His hobbies include football and video games.

Email Kaishaun at kaishaun@student.ubc.ca for advice on time management, finances, internships, study habits, and developing relationships.

Headshot of Makatendeka Chikumbu

Makatendeka Chikumbu

Makatendeka is a first-year international Engineering student from Mutare Zimbabwe. He is deeply passionate about technology as a way to solve communities' problems across the areas of healthcare, education, and agriculture. He's also equally passionate about Dad jokes and enjoy getting to know people through humorous conversations ranging anywhere from memes to international economics.

Email Makatendeka at mchikumb@student.ubc.ca.

Headshot of Amandus Mashamba

Amandus Mashamba

Amandus Mashamba is an Associate Student Recruiter-Advisor at UBC. He holds a Master of Educational Administration and Leadership from UBC where he extensively focused on transformative learning and the juxtaposition of neoliberal policies and social justice in public education systems within British Columbia and Tanzania.

Email Amandus at amandus.mashamba@ubc.ca

Additional resources

If you have questions

Email the Program Coordinator, Willie Moss, at willie.moss@ubc.ca for more information about the initiative.