George Brown Polytechnic is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work and live in the community with each other.
George Brown Polytechnic’s second annual Legacy in the Making celebration brought together graduates, families, faculty, and staff for an evening that honoured the achievements, resilience, and impact of Black students completing their studies this year. The event welcomed 150 graduating students and their guests, as well as faculty, staff, and community partners, for a vibrant and affirming send-off into alumni life.
Hosted by the Black Student Success Network (BSSN) as a Black Futures Initiative (BFI), the event continues to grow as a meaningful tradition rooted in recognition, belonging, and community care. The evening blended celebration with reflection, music, shared meals, and opportunities for connection, underscoring the significance of this milestone.
A celebration rooted in recognition and belonging
Legacy in the Making highlights George Brown’s commitment to fostering equitable and culturally affirming environments where Black students are seen, celebrated, and supported. Beyond marking academic achievement, the event acknowledges the broader journeys students have navigated and the collective legacy they are shaping within and beyond the institution.
This year’s convocation ceremonies also marked the introduction of Kente stoles—an important addition that honours heritage, achievement, and continuity. Wearing the stoles symbolized graduates’ accomplishments and their connection to a broader cultural narrative and the generations of Black excellence that precede and follow each graduate.
President Dr. Gervan Fearon spoke to the significance of the celebration in his remarks, emphasizing both its personal and collective dimensions. “Tonight is not only about recognizing accomplishment. It is about affirming identity, celebrating culture, and honouring the journeys that brought you here,” he said, reinforcing the event’s role in deepening belonging and recognition across the George Brown community.
Leaders, voices, and community impact
The evening featured alumni speakers Benjamin Abebe and Sammoy Hibbert, who shared reflections on resilience, connection, and the importance of giving back to the community. Their messages resonated deeply with graduates as they prepare to step into their next chapters as emerging leaders and changemakers.
Graduates were also treated to a new addition this year, the Graduate Transition and Opportunity Showcase, which connected them with community partners focused on career pathways and post-graduation success. The showcase included Youth Employment Services (YES), Nia Centre for the Arts, Alumni Relations, and StartGBC. These partners engaged graduates in conversations about mentorship, employment opportunities, and professional development support that will carry them into their futures.
Dr. Fearon also underscored the transformative power of education and the importance of community as graduates move forward. “Graduates, you are not only completing your studies. You are stepping into your roles as leaders, innovators, creators, and changemakers,” echoing a broader institutional commitment that highlights George Brown’s role as a signatory to the Scarborough Charter and ongoing efforts to advance Black flourishing, equity, and accountability at the institution.
The success of the celebration reflected the collaborative efforts of the Black Futures Initiatives (BFI) team, including the Black Student Success Network (BSSN), together with members of the BFI Do Tank and campus partners across George Brown Polytechnic.
Student voices and lived experiences
A highlight of the evening was hearing directly from graduating students, including BSSN ambassador Olatundun Olayemi from the Computer Systems Technician program:
“George Brown shaped me not just academically, but personally. It gave me the confidence to embrace who I am, the connections that supported my growth, and the opportunities to step into leadership. Success isn’t about fitting in—it’s about showing up fully as yourself and finding the community that helps you thrive.”
“Being part of the Black Student Success Network transformed my journey, and I learned that I didn’t have to change who I was to belong. I was able to grow into a leader while helping create a sense of community for others. What once felt like a difference became one of my greatest strengths.”
Her voice, alongside those of her peers, underscored the importance and impact of initiatives BFI and its Black Student Success Network in creating spaces where students and staff feel supported and empowered to succeed fully and authentically.
Building a lasting legacy
As the celebration concluded, collective pride and momentum were unmistakable. Legacy in the Making continues to strengthen alumni bonds and reinforce George Brown’s mission to cultivate innovative, inclusive learning communities.
By uplifting Black voices, recognizing achievement, and building connections that extend beyond graduation, these new alumni join a growing, dynamic legacy defined by resilience, leadership, and possibility.
Learn more about the Black Student Success Network and Black Futures Initiatives at George Brown Polytechnic.
