Virginia Rufina Marquez-Pacheco – Contributor

The start of a new academic year has opened doors for students of African and Caribbean descent to build stronger connections and community. A group of seven students is spearheading the creation of a new club, People United for the Love of African and Caribbean Societies Empowerment (PULSE). Once officially approved by the SRC, PULSE will provide a dedicated space where meaningful connections can be fostered. As outlined in their draft constitution: “The purpose of the PULSE is to: provide a safer and empowering space for African and Caribbean students on campus, to increase feelings of belonging in African and Caribbean students on campus, to promote the flourishing of African and Caribbean students on campus, and to educate the non-African and non-Caribbean community on campus.”

Photo courtesy of P.U.L.S.E

As higher education becomes more inclusive, we are seeing an increase in enrolment in students with African and Caribbean heritage. While this increased accessibility is a great step forward, many still find themselves navigating a predominantly colonial environment, which can make it challenging in terms of retention and success in higher education programs. PULSE aims to combat this by creating spaces that celebrate African and Caribbean student achievements and offering vital support. At its core, PULSE is built on six key principles: community, empowerment, safety, culture, diversity, and flourishing.

To promote these principles, PULSE aims to host a variety of activities and events designed to build community and celebrate culture. These include Gait nights, potlucks, sports events, paint-and-sip nights, and much more. Additionally, showcasing the rich diversity of the African and Caribbean cultures will be a central piece to PULSE’s mission. Educational events such as financial literacy workshops, discussion nights on relevant issues affecting the community, and talks from guest speakers all feature among the proposed events.

A key aspect of PULSE’s approach is their commitment to listening to the needs of the communities it represents. Drawing from the experience and lessons of past clubs, PULSE organizers are determined to create a stronger club that truly reflects the needs of the students it serves. Their executive team will always be open to input, ensuring the community has a voice in the decision-making process and can guide the direction of the club moving forward.