Black Legacy Dinner at Massey College

Massey College is honoured to present the inaugural Black Legacy Dinner, an evening of reflection, celebration, and community. This special gathering will bring together Fellows, alumni, and distinguished guests to recognize the enduring contributions, leadership, and excellence of Black changemakers in Canada and beyond.

This year’s dinner is presented in partnership with the Age of Africa Symposium at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy. The symposium convenes global leaders, scholars, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to examine Africa’s rapidly expanding influence in geopolitics, innovation, culture, and economic development. Framed around themes of demographic growth, technological advancement, and global partnerships, the Age of Africa Symposium explores how the continent is shaping the future of global affairs — and how Canada can engage meaningfully in that future.

The evening will begin with a reception from 6:00–7:00 PM, offering guests an opportunity to connect over drinks and conversation. This will be followed by a three-course plated dinner in the Dining Hall, culminating in a keynote address by Chancellor Wes Hall, whose leadership and advocacy have shaped national conversations around equity, opportunity, and inclusive excellence.

Guests are invited to attend in colourful semi-formal attire, reflecting the vibrancy and spirit of the occasion.

The Black Legacy Dinner promises to be an inspiring and memorable evening — one that honours legacy while looking boldly toward the future.

The Black Legacy Dinner is co-organized by an exceptional team of Junior Fellows whose work spans technology, health, engineering, climate justice, and public policy. Rayan Awad Alim (MSc, Computer Science) works at the intersection of AI, data justice, and climate mobility, founding student networks and leading humanitarian and equity-driven initiatives with global impact. Ferdinand Avikpe (PhD, Biomedical Engineering) specializes in computational stem cell modelling while contributing actively to science outreach and student leadership. Myesha Senior (PhD, Mechanical & Industrial Engineering – Human Factors & Ergonomics) brings a background in clinical psychology and equity-focused healthcare design. Emmanuel Taiwo, a Chartered Environmentalist and PhD researcher in public policy, focuses on justice in climate and energy transitions, drawing on international policy leadership experience. Sanjana Jones (Master of Public Health – Black Health) advances research on Black maternal health disparities and public health equity. Together, they embody Massey College’s commitment to interdisciplinary scholarship and leadership for the public good.

For more information, please email Alison Mackenzie at amackenzie@masseycollege.ca.