Why Support the African Diaspora Empowerment Fund at the University of Windsor?
The University of Windsor was Canada’s first university to offer an undergraduate Diaspora Studies program, which focuses on issues of identity critical to the multicultural nature of western countries. Diasporas exist for groups of people that share a collective memory of forced migration from an ancestral homeland, resettlement in many countries, and a longing to maintain a connection to their homeland and culture. In 2004 the University of Windsor started a ground-breaking conference for Youth of the African Diaspora. Black students from Toronto, Windsor, and Detroit were invited to a two-day conference where they interacted through workshops led by racialized leaders. This conference has been life-changing for many participants. Teachers report a dramatic change of attitude, an improvement in grades and excitement about the possibilities of a post-secondary education, something many would have dismissed earlier. Windsor and Southwestern Ontario are proud centres of African heritage
