Second-year undergraduate student finds inspiration and community in the Black Youth for Social Innovation Program

Iiesha Moume

When she first learned of the opportunity to do research related to inclusivity and anti-racism, second-year Faculty of Arts undergraduate student Iiesha Moume jumped at the chance.

“I worked with Josephine Godwyll, an assistant professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport and Recreation, and the founder and primary investigator for the Justice in Environments of Leisure Lab,” says Moume. “The project was called Colour in Green, and it had to do with the connection between inclusivity, outdoor recreation, and trees in urban parks and spaces.”

Moume’s research assistant job, which she carried out in the summer and fall of 2024, was part of the offering of the Black Youth for Social Innovation Program (BYSI) led by U of A political science professor Jared Wesley. The program addresses disparities in opportunities for Black students in the social sciences and humanities by providing them with paid work experiences and mentorship in their fields of interest.

Moume, who is pursuing joint majors in political science and sociology with a minor in international studies, was a member of the program’s first ten-student cohort — and she found the experience to be life-changing.

“It really opened doors for me. There were so many opportunities for my personal growth, for my growth as a student, and for my professional development.”

Although she’d originally planned to go to law school, Moume’s experience piqued her interest in pursuing graduate studies and research. “I’ve always found it important to explore my own and others’ places in the world and examine why things are the way they are. Being part of a program that teaches the skills to be a researcher and stay curious is something I really enjoyed.”

Moume also found a deep sense of community through the program.

“Working with like-minded people and having a network that cares about and supports you has been so helpful in every way,” she says. “I'm so grateful to be part of this supportive network of people that really want to see us shine.”

Moume, who was involved in her high school’s social justice club and helped start its first Black students’ association, has always had a passion for creating safe and inclusive spaces.

“To me, pluralism is what makes life beautiful and meaningful,” she says. “Embracing our differences, opening up to learn from one another, and sharing different perspectives benefits all of us. This spirit is at the heart of Black Youth for Social Innovation.”

The inaugural cohort of students was tasked with building the program from the ground up.

“We were taught amazing skills, such as developing a strategic plan for the program, logic modeling, and collaborating as a group,” says Moume. “It's one of the first programs I've seen to really centre students and youth in this way.”

Being part of the program has been so impactful for Moume that she stayed on as a volunteer throughout 2024, well past the summer cohort, and intends to re-apply this year.

“I am really keen on doing my own research and hope to do something that's aligned with my study focus.”

Coming Together for Black History Month

As part of her ongoing commitment to anti-racism work, Moume and others from the 2024 cohort are collaborating with the U of A chapter of Black Future Lawyers to deliver Pluralism and Black Representation, a panel event taking place at the Telus Centre on February 28 as part of Black History Month.

“I've always been super excited about Black History Month. It's a way to learn about our history, our present and our future. Taking these things into account can help inform what we do to combat adversity and address present-day injustices,” says Moume. “Plus, I've always been super proud to be a black woman. Black History Month is a way to celebrate that, support our successes, and to grow.”

This year, the Black Youth for Social Innovation Program has expanded its offering to include independent research and internship streams in addition to research assistant positions. The deadline to apply is February 28, and interested students can find application details and information here.