"Black students from Ontario find hushpuppies, higher-education and their heritage at U.S. college"

It's saying something when even if one Black kid from the GTA/Ontario/Canada needs to leave this country to go to live in the Confederate Deep "Django" South to feel like they can get an equitable and fair post-secondary education.
 
Here's an excerpt:

But amid those weighty subjects, here’s another big idea to chew on: Why African-Canadian scholars might feel compelled to go to the U.S. for inspiration to become community leaders back home. What edge do historically black colleges offer?

“It’s a matter of engagement,” says George Dei, a University of Toronto sociology professor and advocate for black-focused education. “If people feel the environment is not inclusive, they can’t identify with the learning environment. There’s a desire to feel a sense of belonging. I think that’s what these students were getting there.”

Dei says the African presence in Canada isn’t as celebrated as it is in the U.S., and argues that Canada should make more visible the contributions, achievements and sacrifices of “role models in our backyard — not just famous people or people in the media.”

Keeping the Ivory Tower "white" in the Great White North.

Check the article here.