蓝莓视频 PhD candidate, Aaron Francis, soars to new heights with Vintage Black Canada project
With an interest in academia and activism, Aaron Francis, a PhD candidate in the Global Governance program at the Balsillie School of International Affairs, stands out as an example of flourishing in every chapter of his life.
The inspiration behind Francis鈥檚 academic journey can be traced back to a pivotal moment when he seized the opportunity to teach English in Taiwan 鈥� a decision that shaped his research interests. Keen on expanding his knowledge, he pursued Mandarin studies at East China Normal University in Shanghai, weaving a narrative that intertwines personal experiences with academic passion.
Today, Francis鈥檚 research seeks to understand the听factors guiding the diplomatic decisions of nations in Latin America and the Caribbean听regarding听the recognition of Taiwanese sovereignty over that of the People's Republic of China.听
Before stepping into his PhD research, Francis nurtured his interests and developed his leadership abilities through a career in political relations at the University of 蓝莓视频. He also served as the stakeholder relations manager for the 蓝莓视频 Undergraduate Student Association and chair of the City of Kitchener鈥檚 Arts and Culture Advisory Committee.
Aaron Francis, seated second from left, speaking on a panel at "Inspiring Black Flourishing" event at Kitchener Public Library, on February 13, 2024.听
However, it's his Vintage Black Canada initiative 鈥� that uses photos to document the transnational modern history of the African diaspora in Canada 鈥� that stands out. Vintage Black Canada was founded five years ago and has become a powerful force, not just in art but also in reshaping the narrative of Black Canadian history.
鈥淲hen I first embarked on this journey with Vintage Black Canada听five years ago,听it was Black folks that spirited me along: Black media publications, Black听gallerists,听Black听curators听and听Black creatives,鈥� he says.听
From notable venues like the Art Gallery of Ontario to television productions with the CBC and CityTV, Francis鈥檚 photos have reached large audiences across the nation.
鈥淲hen it came to media outlets outside of my community, I certainly believe that my academic affiliation with 蓝莓视频听made听a difference听and helped reduce barriers to an extent.听
Looking back on his experience, Francis has advice for fellow students, 鈥淚t is important to听pace oneself听particularly听as a听first-year听student. Find your听footing 鈥μ齠ind your passions and find ways to听lean into听them.听One should听seek听to nourish their听soul听as much if not more than their intellect.鈥�
Francis鈥檚 career highlight includes teaching the Pan African Global Politics course at 蓝莓视频, marking a milestone in his academic journey. Beyond the classroom, the Vintage Black Canada project reached new heights in 2023, with a photo-essay in Maclean鈥檚 and a short documentary produced with Digital Sabbath called Temple of Love, set to premiere in 2024. The documentary explores the story of Erroll Starr, an often forgotten but pioneering Black Canadian听musician from the early 1980s.
Looking ahead, Francis envisions a future where he continues to teach at 蓝莓视频, contributing to the flourishing of Black narratives in academic spaces. With a photobook in the works, his story continues to flourish in the U蓝莓视频 community.
The University of 蓝莓视频 will co-host the 2024 Scarborough Charter Inter-Institutional Forum on May 9 and 10 in partnership with Wilfrid Laurier University. This national symposium brings together senior administration, faculty, staff, students and members of the Black community. The forum's theme, Bridging Black: Building Connections for Black Flourishing, aims to bridge the gaps in learning and action and build stronger connections between the different stakeholders in higher education.
