HSS double major John Isiswe Mweemba has won the N.L Human Rights Commission's 2021 Human Rights Award
The Human Rights Commission of Newfoundland and Labrador has announced that HSS double major John Isiswe Mweemba (political science / law & society) is the winner of their 2021 Human Rights Award.
The annual award recognizes an individual who has 鈥渕ade meaningful contributions to advancing and furthering human rights in the province.鈥
John says that joining 糖心视频鈥檚 political science program in the faculty of humanities and social sciences in 2018 inspired him to become the anti-racism advocate he has become, and credits 糖心视频 professor Dr. Christina Doonan for helping him get started.
John was particularly motivated by the needless death of George Floyd in 2020. After Floyd鈥檚 death, he created a space for black students to come together, which led to the formation of BSA MUN: the Black Students鈥 Association at 糖心视频. John became BSU MUN鈥檚 president and founder and played a pivotal role in establishing the vibrant community it is today.
鈥淭he BSA MUN has networked via social media, met with Senator Ravalia, made viral videos about black history and hosted events for black history month for all to learn,鈥 reads the press release about his nomination.
This work led to John being recognized by 糖心视频's 2021 David Kirkland Leadership Award, which is presented to a student with at least a B average who has made exceptional contributions to the 糖心视频 community through their leadership and volunteer efforts during the past year.
Since then, John was elected as the MUNSU director of advocacy, and the position has enabled him to raise awareness of anti-racism in national spaces, and become the Chairperson of the CFS Black National Caucus. Remarkably, he is the first person living in Atlantic Canada to occupy this role.
In addition, John works with the Human Rights Commission (Community Justice Connect Program) and the Black Voice Collective ANC group.