Teeanna Munro steps up as manager of Concordia’s new NouLa Centre for Black Students

Teeanna Munro, BA 15, is the inaugural manager of the NouLa Centre for Black Students at Concordia. She began her role after being closely involved in its development as the project coordinator at the university’s Black Perspectives Office (BPO).

“Teeanna’s dedication, conviction and passion for the Black student experience at Concordia uniquely position her for this role,” says Julie Foisy, director of the Student Success Centre.

“Her track record for providing exceptional support for Black students has been incredible. NouLa is in great hands with Teeanna.”

Hailing from Vancouver, Munro has more than a decade of experience as a community organizer and working in educational settings.

She initially moved to Montreal in 2012 to attend Concordia and quickly became involved in the city’s Black anglophone community. She has contributed to local organizations such as the Quebec Board of Black Educators, DESTA Black Community Network and Tyndale St-Georges Community Centre.

In the context of this work, Munro advocated against systemic racism in the educational and justice systems, creating programming and workshops focused on empowering Black youth.

After completing her BA at Concordia and then master’s degree in teaching and learning at McGill University, she worked in the community of Tasiujaq in Nunavik, Quebec, as a secondary school teacher and classroom management coach.

“I was very fortunate to learn from phenomenal Black and Inuit community workers, which shaped my approach and practice of frontline work and community building,” Munro says.

‘A gathering space where Black students can come together from across the university to be their authentic selves’

The name NouLa comes from the Haitian Creole “Nou la,” meaning “we are here,” and was chosen in consultation with community members at Concordia. At NouLa, students will find a vital resource hub for support, advocacy, mentorship and community building.

“There can be a sense of isolation for Black students in their departments, where they find themselves adapting or code-switching to meet the expectations of others,” Munro explains.

“My goal for NouLa is to create a gathering space where Black students can come together from across the university to be their authentic selves. I hope students can tap into Black joy and flourishing in their daily experience of campus, knowing that they have a strong community behind them.”

As part of Student Services, NouLa will work in close collaboration with student-facing units across the university, in addition to the BPO. The creation of a Black student centre is also a key measure of success stemming from the President’s Task Force on Anti-Black Racism.

“At Concordia, the student groups and associations have really held it down for Black students. I’m excited to work from the foundation that was created by students and further developed by the BPO.” she says.

“We have so many amazing examples of Black student life to draw from, including a rich history here at Concordia.”

Learn more about Concordia’s NouLa Centre for Black Students.