UBC Black Student Union calls for dedicated space as Black students face feelings of isolation

When Joann Anokwuru first moved to Vancouver in 2013 from Nigeria, she was quickly hit with a sense of isolation.

She was the only Black person on her plane, on her bus and even at her on-campus UBC residence, where she studied and will soon complete her doctorate in education.

"It was only me. It was tough. It was a very big shock," said Anokwuru.

"I left the residence and started crying, literally crying leaving the residency."

She struggled to find community, a sense of belonging and people with a shared culture; groceries stores didn't carry Nigerian ingredients. And Anokwuru rarely saw other Black students in her classes.

Her experience is a reality shared by many Black national and international students at UBC. Now, the school's Black Student Union [BSU] is calling for resources to help expand its services for the Black community.

According to the 2021 census, there are 61,760 black people in B.C., comprising a little more than 1.2 per cent of the population.

Building a community

While at UBC, Anokwuru found herself leaning on other Black students for support. Now, she's paying that forward.

Over the years, she has opened her home to more than 100 international Black students, offering a home-cooked meal, mentorship, or even just a listening ear.

"I've gone through it. I've gone through the pain. I've gone through the challenges of settling in," she said.

Anokwuru has built the community she longed for as a student.

"My door is open 24 hours. I will keep smiling. I'll keep supporting new people who are coming in."

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