Learning Institute Delmore "Buddy" Daye 2019-20 - Delmore Buddy Daye Learning Institute
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2019-20
Delmore “Buddy” Daye
Learning Institute
Excellence in Africentric Education & Research
Lift Every Voice and Sing
(The Black National Anthem)
poem by: James Weldon Johnson
music by: John Rosamond Johnson
$
Lift every voice and sing
till earth and heaven ring
ring with the harmonies of Liberty;
let our rejoicing rise,
high as the listening skies, let it resound loud as the rolling sea.
Sing a song full of faith that the dark past has taught us,
sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us;
facing the rising sun of a new day begun,
let us march on till victory is won.
$
Stony the road we trod,
bitter the chast’ning rod,
felt in the day that hope unborn had died;
yet with a steady beat,
have not our weary feet,
come to the place for which our fathers sighed?
We have come over a way that with tears has been watered,
we have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered,
out from the gloomy past, till now we stand at last
where the white gleam of our star is cast.
$
God of our weary years,
God of our silent tears,
Thou who has brought us thus far on the way;
Thou who has by Thy might,
led us into the light,
keep us forever in the path, we pray.
Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee,
lest our hearts, drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee,
shadowed beneath Thy hand,
may we forever stand,
true to our God,
true to our native land.
Contents
2 Message from the Chair
3 Message from the CEO
DBDLI “Habari Gani”
5 Financial Report
6 Human Resources Report
8 Communications Report
9 Youth and Initiatives Report
Delmore “Buddy” Daye
10 Publishing and Special Projects Report
Learning Institute (DBDLI)
12 Research and Initiatives Report
5450 Cornwallis Street
16 Independent Auditor’s Report Halifax, NS B3K 1A9
Telephone: (902) 407-3200
18 DBDLI Financial Statements Toll-Free: 1 (855) 350-3200
Fax: (902) 407-3263
29 DBDLI 2019-20 in Pictures E-mail: contact@dbdli.ca
Web: www.dbdli.ca
30 DBDLI “Tyee” Board and Staff
f lii
Report Design: Dan O’Brien, Design North
DBDLI • 2019-20 Report to the Community 1
Message
Paul Adams
from the
Chair
Jocelyn Dorrington
A s we ended our operational year in March
2020, we, like so many of you, experienced
Halifax Public Libraries to host poetry events that
showcased onsite and virtually. The Habari Gani
challenges to how we deliver our services, (Reports section) of this Report to the Community
stay engaged with our stakeholders, and keep will provide more details in each of our program
everyone safe. Amazingly, our staff adjusted, areas.
and continues to adjust, our working structure
and our program delivery methods in light of Under the theme of “Broadening our Reach
the restrictions imposed due to COVID-19. More and Deepening our Impact,” we have accepted
importantly, we are devastated by the losses invitations to provide advice and direction based
experienced by our community, and by Nova on our Africentric research and education experts.
Scotians broadly. Like all Nova Scotians, we are We are co-leading significant national initiatives,
moving forward with the memory of those losses such as National Black Canadian Summit; and we
and our community’s courage and resiliency. are informing policy, such as Minister Chagger’s
Rountable on Black Youth and Community
The Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning Institute concerns that affects the well-being of African
has delivered programming and initiatives Nova Scotian communities. The message has
throughout the year, continuing what was working been circulating that the National Black Canadian
well, adjusting what needed tweaking, starting Summit has been rescheduled, and will now be
some new initiatives, broadening our reach, and held in Nova Scotia in March 2021. Once again,
deepening our impact. Ancestral Roots Summits the Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning Institute
and the Black Excellence Conferences are two was tapped to be part of the organizing and
examples of what is in the basket of events that program development, and to provide service
will continue. We do have offshoots from both: leadership behind the young adults on the Local
a deeper engagement with Regional Centres Executive Committee. In July 23, 2019, we stood
for Education and enhanced collaboration with with almost 40 Black National organizations and
university partners, respectively. As we continue with government officials in Ottawa to launch the
to be available to assist the African Canadian Canadian National Institute for People of African
Services Branch meet its mandate to provide Descent Feasibility Study. This Study recognizes
culturally-representative resources for African the unique context of People of African Descent
Nova Scotian learners and communities, we have in Nova Scotia and the community work of the
enhanced our direct work with established and Institute. As a closing example for this theme, I will
budding authors and illustrators. An example of note our partnership with Say It Loud–Promoting
a new initiative, a Financial Literacy workshop via Black Pride and Positive Cultural Identity, an
Zoom, has readied us to be engaged in some initiative that we use to amplify the voices of Black
of the virtual program delivery that will be part youth. Much of the work was designed to be
of the “new path forward.” We have partnered online; and an initiative of note with this project is
with the Writers Federation of Nova Scotia and the National Black Graduates event.
2 DBDLI • 2019-20 Report to the Community
We are proud that African Nova Scotian learners and a staff member, John Wedderburn. The
are able to see themselves in resources in the Institute was fortunate to benefit from their skills
public school system and in the community and expertise. We will, of course, miss having
broadly. Our policy focus work, professional them, but assure them that we will continue to
learning experiences, and research are impacting build on what they have given us.
how educators engage with our learners and
how programs are designed. We understand that In closing, I would like to express much thanks to
our research on alternative discipline influenced my fellow board members, both past and present,
a willingness to embrace Africentricity in the for their commitment, hard work, contributions,
schools to support our learners of African descent and dedication to building the Delmore “Buddy”
in feeling more included. For example, some Daye Learning Institute. As well, I offer much
Regional Centres for Education have invited thanks to our dedicated and creative staff,
the Institute to be part of their planning as they consultants, and service providers for all that
develop programming that supports students they do to heighten and build awareness of the
feeling included in their schools. Institute through the programs and services
that they carry out. Thanks, also, to our funders
We had preliminary meetings with our education and partner organizations for their continued
partners—the African Canadian Services Branch support of the work we do to build brighter
and the Black Educators Association—to design futures for African Nova Scotians and the broader
an initiative of a formative research collaboration Nova Scotian community. Lastly, I want to thank
to build on the strengths of the Cultural Academic community members for their on-going support
and Enrichment Program (CAEP). This was paused of the Institute and the programs and services we
due to COVID-19, and will resume in the fall. We deliver. To everyone I say: Stay safe, stay strong,
are sitting at a number or curriculum review tables we will move forward together. f
to help shape content and instructional delivery.
Getting this right will help our learners, and will
benefit all learners and educators/instructors.
We continue to explore and implement
new opportunities to enhance our resource
development for both institutional and
community use. Our research component is
engaged in provincial and national research “A baby on its
projects. The Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning
Institute has been successful in our Canadian
mother’s back does
Heritage grant applications, which has enabled
the Institute to engage in initiatives that focus on
not know the way
greater community engagement. Unfortunately, is long.”
like many other projects, they had to be put on - African Proverb
hold during this time. I am happy to say that the
timeline for these projects has been extended.
Our foundation is strong, underpinned by our
dedicated board and staff who work hard to
achieve our mission, and help us to fulfill the
vision of the Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning
Institute. We have with regret bid farewell to two
Board members, Dean Smith and Yvonne Atwell,
DBDLI • 2019-20 Report to the Community 3
Message
Paul Adams
from the
CEO
Sylvia Parris-Drummond
In March 2020, we posted the following message
on our website: “The Delmore “Buddy” Daye
Regional Centres for Education. We have served
as a policy influencer by contributing advice that
Learning Institute is temporarily closed due to impacts the experience of Black Canadians through
precautions being taken to protect the safety acting as co-leads with SAY IT LOUD (a national
and well-being of the DBDLI Team and the youth initiative focused on Black youth pride
public during these difficult and trying times of and cultural identity) and the Canadian Institute
COVID-19.” Our community and all Nova Scotians for People of African Descent (CIPAD) Feasibility
have been dramatically impacted by COVID-19. Study, and acting as a regional representative with
All our hearts have been broken. We join our Meeting of the Minds (a national Black think tank).
voices to express our heartfelt concern and
message of collective support. We enjoyed active use of our Community/
Office space. During the year, we have hosted
At the writing of this report, we are still following government and community influencers, and
the guidelines, and thus a number of our initiatives have engaged with a range of sectors, including
that had been scheduled for March, and those Justice, Community Services, and Education.
planned for the early months of our operational While on site, these groups often invite us to
year, have been postponed, are being delivered be part of their activities, providing us with the
in alternative formats, or, unfortunately, have had opportunity to further extend our reach and
to be canceled. influence through the sharing of information
about the Institute and our mission.
For the second year in a row, the DBDLI has been
identified for its Africentric education expertise We continue to grow our leadership in Africentric
by the National Canadian Black Summit, which research. Africentric research seeks to ensure
was to be held in Halifax in March 2020. The community voice is primary in our data analysis
Summit has been rescheduled for Halifax in and qualitative and quantitative research. The
March 2021. We will be there. The African Nova cadre of Community Data Collectors (CDCs)
Scotian History Challenges Ceremony, held facilitated data collections for research projects
annually in March, had to be canceled, and the supported by the Department of Education and
acknowledgement of the award recipients done Early Childhood Development, one of which
via our website. is partially funded by Canadian Heritage. For
example, we are collaborating with Saint Francis
During the 2019-2020 operational year, our program Xavier University on a community engagement
departments—Research, Youth, Community initiative called Making Community Voices Count.
Engagement and Publishing—via Institute leadership Through the Research department, we hosted
and collaborations, offered services to all African our third Black Excellence Conference, and
Nova Scotian communities across the Province and expanded our Fellowship program.
engaged with African Nova Scotian learners in all
4 DBDLI • 2019-20 Report to the Community
The Youth department expanded its impact by beginning, John Wedderburn. Though he has
increasing its presence in the Regional Centres moved on to other interests, our paths continued
of Education through the planned use of social to cross as he served as communication lead
media and the development of education for the National Black Canadian Summit and
sessions to promote our resources, and to the African Nova Scotian Decade for People of
provide community education, such as a virtual African Descent Coalition (DPAD). Thanks to
financial literacy workshop. After a very successful John, we are well positioned as we evolve the
inaugural year, the DBDLI Youth Advisory Council community/community engagement role. I want
had plans to host a closing event in March; to acknowledge staff members Ramona Hill, Dr.
however, this event will be moved to a more George Frempong, Victoria Lake, Chanae Parsons,
appropriate time. We are looking forward to Samuel Provo-Benoit, and to Tony Colaiacovo
those Council members who are able to continue (Effective Publishing) for their commitment to
with us and filling the vacant seats. excellence and their contributions to the ongoing
success of the Institute. f
The Institute’s publishing arm continues its
theme of “Excellence in Education” through the
publication of Africentric educational resources.
Last year, we announced the publication, Black
History: Africa, the Caribbean, and the Americas.
Based on a need identified by educators, we
have developed and published, Black History:
African the Caribbean and the Americas–Teachers
Resource. As well, the book, L’alphabet de
Viola Desmond is now in distribution, with a
launch ceremony having been held in winter “A boat cannot go
2020. Lastly, we are pleased to announce our
participation in the Atlantic Education Publishing forward if each rows
their own way.”
Partnership (AEPP). AEPP is comprised of some
of the most important publishers in Atlantic
Canada. A special acknowledgment goes to - Tanzanian Proverb
Tony Colaiacovo, our publishing consultant, for
his publishing expertise and his role as a historian.
We are thankful to the Department of Education
and Early Childhood Development for their
significant annual contribution in that regard.
This year we also received significant grant
support from the federal government. This
support allowed us to enhance our ongoing
programs, and to provide services in response to
community-identified concerns.
Thank you to the DBDLI Board for its leadership
and ongoing support. I am pleased to work with
such dedicated individuals who collectively
provide governance and oversight in support
of our mission. We bid farewell to one of
our employees who has been there from the
DBDLI • 2019-20 Report to the Community 5
DBDLI
Habari Gani*
Financial
Report
Darrin Talbot
Chair, Finance Committee
T he Finance Committee, as reflected in the
Terms of Reference (TOR), is responsible for
Through the hard work of our staff and Board, we
were able to obtain federal grants totaling over
the dual role of financial oversight and fundraising. $150,000, and some $20,000 in unencumbered
The Committee works collaboratively with the and $50,000 in encumbered charitable donations
Finance Officer to ensure bills are paid in a timely in the year. Great work by all.
manner, cash flow is managed, and funding is
tracked. Additional to those responsibilities, In October of 2019, our new tenant moved into
the Finance Officer will be the staff support for our space on the second floor. We were able
any fundraising that the Board of the Delmore to secure a long-term lease with the tenant,
“Buddy” Daye Learning Institute may undertake. which provides the Institute with the stability to
supplement our cash flow, while supporting the
As with many institutions, COVID-19 has, and ongoing costs of our building.
continues to have, an impact on our Institute’s
ability to deliver programs. From a Finance I want to thank our Finance Officer, Victoria Lake,
perspective, however, to this point, there has for her leadership, and thank the members of the
been very little impact on funding or resources, Finance Committee for their time and efforts. I
and we continue to be prudent with our spending also want to acknowledge Executive Assistant,
to ensure we maintain fiscal responsibility in Ramona Hill, and Chief Executive Officer, Sylvia
these uncertain times. Parris-Drummond, for being part of the team.
With our newly-provided charitable status, we We would like to acknowledge, with thanks, the
continue to consider ways to increase fundraising. work of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) for their
We have formed a fundraising committee, and work in completion of our 2019-2020 financial
are in the process of scoping out new ways to audit. They have acknowledged that it was a
raise funds. Although discussions have been clean audit, and have issued an unqualified audit
ongoing regarding a capital campaign to raise report. (See p.16)
funds for our new building, the Board decided
to put this on hold in the year due to COVID-19. The Board of the Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning
We will consider this campaign again in the Institute has endorsed PwC as auditors for the
upcoming year. upcoming 2020-2021 fiscal year. f
Based largely on our Finance Officer’s leadership,
many of the finance processes related to online
banking, investing, and cheque signing have
been updated. Going forward, we will continue
to find ways to streamline our processes.
* Swahili for “What’s New”
6 DBDLI • 2019-20 Report to the Community
Human Resources
Report
Angela Simmonds
Chair, Human Resources Committee
T he role of the Human Resources Committee
is to provide policy oversight on behalf of the
The Board launched the process of a robust
review of our Human Resources Policy Manual in
Board of the Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning the fall of 2019. The review is now underway; and
Institute (DBDLI), and to support the Institute’s we will look to incorporate the learning during
Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The DBDLI Board the upcoming operational year.
is as a policy governance board; thus, the review
and updating of policy is important, and ensures I want to acknowledge and thank Human
optimum functioning of the Board. Resources Committee members Gilbert Daye
and Jocelyn Dorrington for their contributions
We had committed to a congruence review to the work of the Committee. I also want to
to ensure alignment of our various policies acknowledge Sylvia Parris-Drummond, who
(governance and operational), Board Terms provides staff support. f
of Reference, and performance procedures,
mindful of a clear demonstration of Africentricity
within all of them.
As part of a review of our work flow operational
needs, the Committee supported the CEO in a
review of current employment needs; and, as a
result, the Institute reconfigured its approach
to the role of communications, community
engagement, and social media usage; and
optimized the use of the Institute’s website. This
work showed up positively during our response “Happiness requires
to COVID-19.
something to do,
Regarding COVID-19, the Human Resources
Committee worked collaboratively with the CEO something to love,
and Executive Assistant to support staff and well-
being, and to support staff in working remotely.
and something to
We were able to develop a new position—that
of Community Engagement/Public Relations
hope for.”
Coordinator—but, due to COVID-19, we had to
- Swahili Proverb
pause staffing the position until we could safely
onboard an individual into the role.
DBDLI • 2019-20 Report to the Community 7
Communications
Report
Missy Searl
Chair, Communications Committee
The Communications Department tells the The Communications Committee supported
Institute’s story, shares our vision, and supports the staff in redefining the role of staff and in
the promotion and celebration of our programs restructuring the delivery of the various functions.
and initiatives. It also intersects with all the DBDLI The work of the staff position will have a greater
Office operations and programs, and supports community presence and will continue to support
our internal workings. internal staff operations.
As we continue to update our logo in our Through strategic initiatives and partnerships,
documents and media, and have moved into we have constantly looked to find innovative
fully utilizing our new physical location, branding ways to engage with our community. Part of our
has been a focus. Similarly, enhancement of our Communications file includes the management
presence as an Africentric Institute has been a and implementation of sponsorship requests and
focus. Our website and social media presence, as activities. Key sponsorships continue to connect
well as all print materials, have to have deliberate the Institute with groups and events that link to
representations of Africentricity—in visuals (e.g., and help advance our mandate. Our traditional
artifacts) and in text (e.g., proverbs). media relations efforts garnered strong and
consistent coverage for the Institute over this past
The website layout was updated this year with year. We continued to capitalize on print, radio,
an aim to improving navigation, and to make and television stories around our work, objectives,
the website more appealing. The sliders on and connections to our community. Global Halifax
the website introduce information and events and the CBC continue to show strong interest
(such as the Black Excellence Conference, and engagement in sharing stories from and
Black Education Youth Conference, Thriving about the Institute. Our in-house Community
Communities, and African Nova Scotian History Newsletter showcases our many publishing and
Challenges); education resources (such as the research activities and youth initiatives—including
texts, L’alphabet de Viola Desmond and Black successes and milestones—and celebrates the
History: Africa, the Caribbean, and the Americas); many partnerships and supportive relationships
and print, visual, and social media messaging. that enable us to broaden our reach and impact.
Additionally, the communication staff supported We will continue to leverage the power of strong,
staff in the development of program specific consistent, and meaningful communications to help
promotion materials (e.g., youth programs and a further our connections and areas of opportunity
research flyer). with Nova Scotia’s educators, learners of African
descent, and the communities we serve.
We produced four community updates: three
newsletters and one Report to the Community. As I take over the role of Chair from Dean Smith,
These communication vehicles, respectively, who has retired from the Board, I want to thank him
provided updates on programs and activities, and for his leadership and support for my transition
provided an overview of our year. We launched into this role. I also want to thank my committee
the DBDLI Scholarships and Bursaries Listings, members, Susie Brigham and Angela Simmonds,
which is hosted on our website, with limited print for their support and work on behalf the committee
copies available. and the Institute overall. f
8 DBDLI • 2019-20 Report to the CommunityYouth and Initiatives Report
Gilbert Daye
Co-chair, Youth and Initiatives Committee
Iam pleased to submit the first annual report
of the Youth and Initiatives Committee. The
African Nova Scotia youth leaders. These events
are currently postponed.
Committee members are Marcus Marsman, Missy
Searl, Co-chairs Mukisa Kakembo and Gilbert The Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning Institute
Daye, and Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning Youth Advisory Council has been established,
Institute Board Chair, Jocelyn Dorrington. Our and has held face-to-face and teleconference
role is to support youth projects, initiatives, and meetings under the leadership of the two youth
activities; and to report on those to the Board. members of the Institute’s Board of Directors.
Key concerns at the start-up of the Council
Through 2019-2020, this Committee has been include their ability to be better informed and
engaged primarily in activities and initiatives that representative of youth issues in the community,
were generously funded through grants from the becoming better connected to the Institute, and
Canadian Heritage Multiculturalism Program, the need to meet more on a face-to-face basis.
and through operational and program support
from the Nova Scotia Department of Education Thank you especially to the Delmore “Buddy”
and Early Childhood Development. Daye Learning Institute’s youth members, and
to staff who have provided invaluable assistance
Activities and Initiatives and input into the work of the Youth and Initiatives
Youth Initiatives Committee—particularly to Ms. Chanae Parsons
for her diligence and hard work. f
Two of the three planned Ancestral Roots
Regional Summits were completed in Halifax and
the Annapolis Valley. These summits enabled
youth to meet and discuss education issues that
may impact their likelihood for success. The
final report for these initiatives is delayed by the
COVID-19 closing.
Financial Literacy Skills workshops were held in Ancestral Roots Regional Summit,
Halifax, Truro, and Dartmouth. These workshops Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS
are designed to help youth and adult participants
reduce the stress caused by financial situations,
increase their confidence in planning for post-
secondary school, and increase their awareness
of the scholarships and community grants that
may be available to them.
Planning has been initiated for the Ancestral
Roots Awards Gala, and for a conference for
youth and young adults. The Gala is a recognition Ancestral Roots Regional Summit,
event to validate the achievements of potential Acadia University, Wolfville, NS
DBDLI • 2019-20 Report to the Community 9Publishing and Special
Projects Report
Tony Colaiacovo
Effective Publishing
I t has been a busy but rewarding year for the
DBDLI Publishing team. We have engaged
a teacher would need for
the activity: suggested
with the community, and with educators from teaching strategies and
all regions to develop books and projects that all handouts, graphic
respond to the needs of African Nova Scotian organizers, and rubrics
learners and teachers. We have participated in for the activity—all of
multiple initiatives and projects with organizations which may be scanned
from across the province that share our mandate or photocopied directly
for Africentric learning, and we were once again out of the resource. Each
able to source various event and publishing activity also includes a list
grants. of additional print, visual, and online sources of
information; and offers suggested extension
Participation in the 2019-2020 African Nova activities for those students who may wish to
Scotian History Challenges exceeded our explore a particular topic more deeply. The
expectations. We had submissions from 83 Teacher’s Resource has proven to be very popular
different schools, and from every region of and useful to teachers of African Canadian
the province. More than 4,000 students from Studies. We have made an electronic version of
every grade level participated, and this year’s the Teacher’s Resource available for teachers to
entries were among the best and most creative use during the pandemic.
submissions ever received for the Challenges.
Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Earlier this year, the
the Awards Gala had to be postponed. However, DBDLI published
the special guests who had been invited to the its first book in
Gala, including His Honour, Lieutenant Governor French. L’alphabet
LeBlanc, Mrs. LeBlanc, and Senator Wanda de Viola Desmond
Thomas Bernard, did see all the entries. Each was is an adaptation of
effusive in their praise of the students’ work. A our popular guided
list of the Award winners, sample photos of the reading resource, The
submissions, and a message of congratulations ABCs of Viola Desmond. L’alphabet de Viola
from Senator Bernard is posted on our website. Desmond was developed for both Core French
and French Immersion classes. This beautifully-
We published an updated and improved crafted and colourful book is sure to be a hit in
Teacher’s Resource for the textbook, Black classrooms throughout the province and beyond.
History: Africa, the Caribbean, and the Americas.
The Teacher’s Resource is a companion piece The DBDLI has developed a new Social Studies
to the textbook. Each learning activity in the resource entitled, Our History is Nova Scotia’s
Teacher’s Resource begins with an overview that History. Working cooperatively with the
includes a suggested time for the activity, a brief Department of Education and Early Childhood
description of the activity, and a list of everything Development, this new resource is bound to
that a teacher may need to prepare in advance. be popular with young readers. The resource
The activities themselves include everything that is comprised of a class set of individual profiles
10 DBDLI • 2019-20 Report to the Communityabout African Nova Scotians; and each set
William Hall
includes a large storyboard that teachers can use
as a classroom display and teaching aid. Barbara Cuffy
The DBDLI achieved a major milestone this
year when we won our first public publishing
tender. We formed a consortium with three other
publishers, and won a tender for the development
and publishing of one of the new Grade 7 Rose Fortune
Social Studies resources. The tender required
that the new resource focus on the cultures Thomas Peters
of the Mi’kmaq, Acadians, Gaels, and African
Nova Scotians. This new resource is currently in
development, and is due to be introduced into
Grade 7 classes in the new school year.
Marie Marguerite Rose
The DBDLI has started producing and publishing
a series of books about African Nova Scotian
communities, written by community elders. The
first book in the series, My Grandmother’s Days,
was written by the late Viola Parsons, and is a vivid
account about growing up in the community of
Lucasville at the turn of the century. The cover art
for the book is being prepared by the talented
young artist Letitia Fraser. The goal of this series
is to record personal stories from every African
Nova Scotian community in the province. f
Sylvia Parris-Drummond, Chief Executive Officer,displaying some of our publications and resource materials.
DBDLI • 2019-20 Report to the Community 11Research and
Initiatives Report
Dr. Susan Brigham,
Chair, Research and Initiatives
The Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning Institute’s 2. “Developing Data Systems for evidence-
research continued to expand over the past year. based policy making and implementation: A
Many research projects came to completion, and study of the Nova Scotian Student Attendance
their findings have been, or are in the process of and Engagement Policy” in partnership
being, disseminated at community events, confer- with Professor Joyline Makani at Dalhousie
ences, and in peer-reviewed articles. Several new University
research studies have been developed in partner-
ship with Canadian scholars and institutions, and This study, funded by IURN, assesses the
are funded by prestigious research grants. Wor- impact of the Student Attendance and
thy of note is that, due to COVID-19 and the Nova Engagement Policy on African Nova Scotian
Scotia State of Emergency which began in March, students. A report has been presented to
some research data collection was stalled, and the Tri-County Regional Centre for Education
annual conferences that usually take place in the (TCRCE), and a policy brief from the report
spring have been postponed. Below is a list of re- has been developed. Findings will be shared
search projects that are ongoing, which is followed at the next IURN conference.
by a report of recent events and announcements.
3. “Embracing Transition to College: Building
The Research Committee members are Dr. Susan Africentric Models from the Learning and
Brigham (Committee Chair), Jocelyn Dorrington, Voices from Community” in partnership with
Randy Headley, and Mukisa Kakembo. Dr. George the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC)
Frempong, Director of Research, is the main staff with Dr. Terrah Keener
person on this committee.
The purpose of this study is to assess and
Current Research Projects: develop an understanding of how a transition
program—namely, the African Canadian
1. “Ubuntu Pedagogy of the Community” in Transition Program—in the NSCC can work for
partnership with Professor Susan Brigham, African Nova Scotians. A report was shared
Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU), and Dr. with NSCC through Joanne Syms, NSCC. A
George Frempong, Delmore “Buddy” Daye follow up meeting between NSCC and the
Learning Institute (DBDLI) Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning Institute will
take place after the pandemic is over.
This project, funded by the Inter-University
Research Network (IURN), engages 4. “Improving education for African Nova
community Elders in developing frameworks Scotians: Making community voices count” in
and teaching strategies with teachers. Due partnership with Professor Lisa Lunney Borden,
to COVID-19, an ethics protocol change has Saint Francis Xavier University
been applied, which will allow researchers to
conduct interviews using distance technology. The purpose of this project is to profile
This project is linked to a Social Studies and historical education policies and practices
Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) study for African Nova Scotians. This project is in
with Professor George Dei at the University of progress.
Toronto.
12 DBDLI • 2019-20 Report to the Community5. “Using Elders to support the educational the North and East Preston communities),
experiences of Black Communities” in and report writing. They both successfully
partnership with Professor George J. Sefa completed their practicum.
Dei, University of Toronto
Recent research events and announcements:
This is a three-year, SSHRC-funded project
involving Black communities in Toronto, 1. “Black Excellence in STEM” conference
Halifax, South Africa, and Ghana. Data in partnership with Dalhousie University/
collection from Elders in Nova Scotia has been Imhotep’s Legacy Academy
completed, but the data collection with youth
The goal of this event was to bring together
has been put on hold until after COVID-19.
scholars and students of African Ancestry
6. “Using Data to track Promising Educational in Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Experiences of African Nova Scotian Mathematics (STEM), and to engage high
Students” in partnership with the African school students in STEM activities. The event
Canadian Services Branch (ACSB)–Promising began with a networking session held at the
Schools. Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning Institute
followed by activities held for a full day at
This project’s goal is to identify schools where Dalhousie University. A Blacks in STEM video
all learners, including African Nova Scotians, developed by the Institute was shown to high
are successful. The project is linked to the school students attending the symposium.
“Attendance and Engagement” project with
Dr. Joyline Makani, and has ethics approval 2. DBDLI International Journal
for data collection from Dalhousie University.
The development of this exciting project is
The first data set—students’ assessment
funded by a federal government grant. A
data linked to their school and background
draft journal policy was completed, and
characteristics—has been assembled. Due to
this draft and other management processes
COVID-19, this project is on hold.
are being reviewed by Dalhousie University
Recently-completed research: librarian, Geoff Brown. A research assistant
has received training on the Dalhousie journal
1. “Africentric School Discipline Model” in management system/processes.
partnership with Professor Johanne Jean-
Pierre, Ryerson University 3. DBDLI/Jeanine Deveau Africentric Research
Extraordinaire Fellow (eFAR).
The purpose of this study was to explore the
experiences of African Nova Scotian students This is funded by the Jeanine Deveau
with school discipline. A report has been Education Equity Endowment—$150,000
drafted, and was shared with the community for three years—with the possibility of being
in winter 2020. renewed for another three years. The Delmore
“Buddy” Daye Learning Institute intends to
2. “It Takes a Village” Project attract established academic Africentric
researchers by creating the Extraordinary
This project was linked to the Elders project. Fellowship on Africentric Research (eFAR).
As part of their practicum, two NSCC
Business Administration and Management Responsibilities of eFAR will include:
students, Rachel Gration and Shannae Dean,
were supporting the Delmore “Buddy” Daye • Collaboration with the Institute on
Learning Institute with the development proposed school-community partnership
of a literature review, data collection (from research
DBDLI • 2019-20 Report to the Community 134. DBDLI Graduate Fellowship awards 2019-20
• Assisting in the research ethics application
recipients
processes
The Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning Institute
• Helping to develop and publish academic
awarded funding to Rajean Willis, a Ph.D.
papers and policy briefs
student at MSVU, and to Crystal Watson, a
• Serving as a member of the editorial board Ph.D. student at Dalhousie University, in the
of the Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning amount of $5,000 to each student.
Institute academic journal (International
5. A partnership with Professor Jade Ferguson
Journal of Africentric Research)
and Cassie Wever, University of Guelph
• Engaging African Nova Scotia
The Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning Institute
communities to help develop productive
hosted Professor Jade Ferguson and Cassie
school-community partnerships
Wever of the University of Guelph who
Professor George Sefa Dei has agreed were examining social justice experiential
to serve as the first Africentric Research education programs intended for students
Extraordinaire Fellow. to explore Canadian Black history, current
context, community resilience, and identity,
among other themes.
“Black Excellence in STEM” conference in partnership with Dalhousie University/Imhotep’s Legacy Academy
(standing): Dr. Theresa Rajack-Talley, Vice-Provost of Equity and Inclusion, Dr. Mikhail Burke, Dr. Rita Orji,
Wanda Colley, Randy Headley, Dr. Susan Brigham, Sarah-Ann Upshaw, Dario Brooks, Nnamdi Chiekwe,
Dr.Juliet Daniel, Rugi Jalloh, Dr. Pemberton Cyrus, Dr. Kevin Hewitt, and the Honourable Mayann Francis.
(kneeling in front): Sidney Idemudia and George Frempong
14 DBDLI • 2019-20 Report to the CommunitySummary
In summary, the Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning
Institute has had its most successful year yet
concerning the quality and number of research
projects underway; disseminating research;
obtaining funding for research; partnering
with scholars and intuitions in Nova Scotia and
beyond; supporting, mentoring, and providing
opportunities for new scholars; developing
community engagement events around our
research; and developing a unique academic
peer-reviewed journal for publishing original
research related to Africentric research. The
Research Committee is grateful for the dedication,
professionalism, hard work, and networking skills
of Dr. George Frempong, as well as Sylvia Parris-
Drummond, Chief Executive Officer, and all
staff who have contributed to the success of the Youth conference attendees posing with
Asher Trim-Gaskin, Program Manager of Imhotep
Institute’s research in the 2019-20 year. f Legacy Academy
Dr. Timothy Bardouille, Dr. Tamara Franklin,
Dr. Marva Sweeney-Nixon, Dr. George Frempong,
Crystal Watson.
The Delmore Buddy Daye Learning Institute hosted The symposium concluded with a number of
a networking social event on the first evening of graduate and undergraduate students from
the conference, with Bruce Johnson as the guest Dalhousie showcasing their research in unique
speaker. areas of STEM and health
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DBDLI
2019-2020 in Pictures
Black Leadership Youth Conference hosted at Mount Saint Vincent University, May 24, 2019
Future Leaders Initiative “A Conversation with
Barack Obama” November 13, 2019
Sister 2 Sister (S2S) Conference, March 31, 2020
DBDLI • 2019-20 Report to the Community 29DBDLI
Tyee*
DBDLI Board
Jocelyn Dorrington Darrin Talbot Mukisa Kakembo Marcus Marsman
Chairperson Treasurer Board Member Board Member
Angela Simmonds Gilbert Daye Randy Headley Susan M. Brigham
Vice-Chairperson Secretary Board Member Board Member
“One head alone
does not go into
council.”
- Ghanaian Proverb
Lillian (Missy) Searl
Board Member
* Swahili for “the Chieftain - council of chiefs, leadership”
30 DBDLI • 2019-20 Report to the CommunityDBDLI Staff
Dr. George Frempong Kevin Harrison
Director of Research Community Engagement
& Public Relations
Sylvia Parris-Drummond Victoria Nadine Lake
Chief Executive Officer Finance Officer
Chanae Parsons Samuel Provo-Benoit
Coordinator of Youth Administrative Assistant
Initiatives and Projects
Ramona Hill
Executive Assistant
DBDLI • 2019-20 Report to the Community 31Delmore “Buddy” Daye
Learning Institute
Excellence in Africentric Education & Research
DBDLI Vision
The DBDLI, an Africentric institute, creates educational change for
learners and communities of African ancestry to have genuine
opportunities to reach their full potential.
DBDLI Mission
Improving educational experiences, opportunities, and outcomes
for Nova Scotian learners of African ancestry.
DBDLI Values
The DBDLI is guided by the following values:
Integrity: We are committed to demonstrate integrity through being ethical, honest,
and transparent in all that we do.
Community: We hold the interest of the African (Black) community at the forefront of
our vision and mission.
Africentricity: We are committed to reclaiming and delivering African-derived world
views and values.
Social Responsibility: We are committed to ensuring our research and activities
effectively support and benefit community. We promote engagement and
empowerment that leads to societal transformation.
Access & Equity: We are committed to advancing our vision/mission by creating
pathways towards opportunities that strive to ensure inclusiveness and equity.
Anti-Oppression: We are committed to challenging, educating, and raising awareness
about oppression in all its forms.
Excellence in Africentric Education & Lifelong Learning: We are committed
to supporting and advancing the highest qualities and standards in academic
achievement and ongoing learning and development for the community, utilizing an
Africentric orientation.
Excellence in Africentric Research: We are committed to providing research that is
informed by data (quantitative and qualitative), understands the community as central,
and is grounded in the values and traditions of the African (Black) community. fDelmore “Buddy” Daye
Learning Institute
Excellence in Africentric Education & Research
Dedicated to improving the
educational experiences,
opportunities and
outcomes for African Nova Scotian
learners and educators.
Delmore “Buddy” Daye
Learning Institute (DBDLI)
5450 Cornwallis Street
Halifax, NS B3K 1A9
Telephone: (902) 407-3200
Toll-Free: 1 (855) 350-3200
Fax: (902) 407-3263
E-mail: contact@dbdli.ca
Web: www.dbdli.ca
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