Conversation and Connection: The impact of the Black, Indigenous and Racialized Staff Employee Resource Group – McMaster Daily News

February 21, 2023

For Sophia Holness, a recent gathering with dozens of McMaster staff — complete with African food, the music of steelpan aficionado Luckystickz and impromptu dancing — was so much more than a fun get together with colleagues.

“It was one of those moments I never thought possible,” says the longtime McMaster staff member and inaugural chair of the Black, Indigenous and Racialized Staff (BIRS) Employee Resource Group.

“When I first started here at McMaster, I had hoped for a group of individuals who I could engage with, who understood what it meant to be a racialized person in this type of organization.”

Fast forward 17 years and Holness now helps lead BIRS, a network supporting the well-being, development and advancement of McMaster staff members who identify as Black, Indigenous and racialized. The group recently hosted a social gathering as part of Black History Celebrations at McMaster — using the opportunity to connect in-person while also reaching out to new members.

Read More: https://dailynews.mcmaster.ca/articles/conversation-and-connection-the-impact-of-the-black-indigenous-and-racialized-staff-employee-resource-group/