Barbershop Talk Series

On December 31st, 2023, a Nigerian international student named Afolabi Stephen Opaso was fatally shot and killed by the Winnipeg Police while experiencing a mental health crisis. This tragedy left fear, frustration, disappointment, and anger in the hearts of Black students on campus. These feelings have only been exacerbated by a report released in August that that has stated that the officer responsible for shooting Ziggy will not face any institutional sanction. To honour the legacy of our dear and beloved brother, it is necessary to once again connect as a community to facilitate a healing dialogue that healthily unpacks the emotions we have about this catastrophe. An environment where Black students and the broader University of Manitoba and Winnipeg community can unapologetically share perspectives regarding culturally competent support systems, emotional neglect, structural accountability, and the peculiar brand of systematic racism that results in Black men and boys disproportionately dying at the hands of police is desperately needed to confront the pain and anguish of this situation.

Since Afolabi Stephen Opaso’s passing, the Barbershop Talk has dedicated events on an annual basis to discuss the multidimensional factors that led to his death. In partnership with the Nigerian Student Association, the Barbershop Talk Series will continue this tradition and use its platform to provide a safe space that enables all those who have a vested interest in the wellbeing of Black men and boys to participate in a non-judgemental conversation that fosters empathic consideration, unconditional acceptance and holistic support.

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Host or Publisher ACMP Carleton