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In recognition of the enrichment brought by Hamilton鈥檚 multicultural population, a group of senior students spent the fall 2021 semester discovering how the city can better serve local BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Colour) entrepreneurs.  

鈥淭he project included two steps,鈥� explains student Andrene Gregory. 鈥淔irst, we had to do primary research, which included analyzing the BIPOC community demographics and then engaging directly with its members. The second aspect involved doing secondary research through books, online platforms and collaboration with other stakeholders.鈥� 

The group鈥檚 efforts contributed to a larger three-part initiative. Another group of Redeemer students conducted additional background research on BIPOC support programs in other Canadian cities. Their findings, along with the findings from Gregory鈥檚 group, were given to McMaster University and compiled into a report for the This will hopefully lead to the establishment of support services that address BIPOC entrepreneurs鈥� specific needs and challenges.聽

鈥淲e were able to interact with community members instead of just doing research,鈥� says student Rachel Drouin, Gregory鈥檚 group member. 鈥淚 was interested in talking to people and making connections.鈥�

鈥淎s a member of the BIPOC community myself, I was very excited to jump in,鈥� says Gregory. 鈥淚n particular, I wanted to learn more about the Black community because, even though I鈥檓 part of it, I didn鈥檛 know a lot about what Black entrepreneurs are accomplishing in Hamilton. I hoped to help people understand where [Black entrepreneurs] come from, where they鈥檙e headed and how this program that鈥檚 being created by the City of Hamilton is going to pivot them forward into greater work.鈥�

I think we played a big part in starting these conversations just by hearing the BIPOC community’s stories and learning about the amazing businesses that exist.

Now that the project鈥檚 final stage is in motion, they can reflect on their efforts with a well-earned sense of accomplishment. 

鈥淚 think we played a big part in starting these conversations just by hearing the BIPOC community鈥檚 stories and learning about the amazing businesses that exist,鈥� says Drouin. 鈥淗aving a place where that data is collected and shared is a great place to begin.鈥�

We’re all made in God’s likeness, and no one has the right to demean that fact.

Drouin and Gregory鈥檚 faith was deepened through the process. 

鈥淲e鈥檙e much more than the colour of our skin, the texture of our hair or our gender or age,鈥� says Gregory. 鈥淩edeemer has helped me focus on the 鈥榠mago Dei鈥�. We鈥檙e all made in God鈥檚 likeness, and no one has the right to demean that fact. Until we recognize this, we鈥檒l continue to tear each other apart.鈥� 

鈥淪eeing the support BIPOC businesses lend each other and the hope they have to see one another succeed, whether that鈥檚 through financial programs or other community assistance, showed me the diversity of our brothers and sisters in Christ and how they make Hamilton such a beautiful place to be,鈥� adds Drouin. 

Because of the experiences and insights gained, both students feel more prepared and invigorated for life post-Redeemer. 

鈥淟earning how to have important conversations, while being socially and culturally sensitive of the deep history that runs through people鈥檚 lives, is an important tool to have in any workforce and community I鈥檓 part of in the future,鈥� says Drouin.

鈥淭he project got me fired up and thinking about how racism and classism play a role in the greater community,鈥� says Gregory. 鈥淚 want to dive deeper into Black history, theology and philosophy and maybe even come back and teach them at Redeemer. I never had this passion before, but now I have an insatiable thirst to learn more about how BIPOC communities can strengthen each other and share my knowledge with whoever鈥檚 willing to listen.鈥�