In 2021, the University of Waterloo became a signatory to the Scarborough Charter on Anti-Black Racism and Black Inclusion in Canadian Higher Education, a national framework developed through collective dialogue across more than 40 institutions to address systemic anti-Black racism in higher education. The Charter sets out a shared commitment to confronting systemic barriers, advancing Black inclusion, and taking coordinated, sustained action across teaching, research, and institutional practices.
PAIR contributes to the University of Waterloo’s commitments under the Scarborough Charter by advancing Pan-African and community-engaged research. Our work aligns with the Charter’s guiding principles through interdisciplinary collaboration, knowledge mobilization, and partnerships across the African continent and diaspora.
PAIR and the Scarborough Charter Principles
Black Flourishing
PAIR creates conditions for Black-centred research, leadership, and knowledge creation to grow, connect, and lead.
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Strengthens Black-led and Black-centred research through a collaborative Pan-African platform
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Supports interdisciplinary partnerships that increase the visibility and competitiveness of Black scholarship
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Connects researchers with funding, mentorship, and research development opportunities
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Builds networks across students, faculty, and community researchers
Inclusive Excellence
PAIR advances research through equity, diversity, and interdisciplinary collaboration by centring Black intellectual traditions and fostering connections across disciplines, institutions, and global contexts.
- Establishes a Black-led interdisciplinary research platform grounded in Pan-African and Afro-diasporic perspectives
- Supports collaboration across faculties, institutions, and international research networks
- Hosts visiting scholars, writers, and public intellectuals
- Expands access to research through public programming and knowledge-sharing
Mutuality
PAIR builds reciprocal, community-engaged research relationships grounded in co-creation and respect for community knowledge.
- Supports community-engaged research that treats communities as partners in knowledge creation
- Values lived experience and community expertise alongside academic research
- Facilitates partnerships between researchers and Pan-African and Afro-diasporic communities
- Creates spaces for dialogue, storytelling, and shared learning
Accountability
PAIR contributes to institutional responsibility through visibility, action, and ongoing engagement in Black research and scholarship.
- Increases visibility of Black research leadership and collaboration
- Contributes to institutional conversations on representation and equity in research ecosystems
- Highlights Black research excellence through events, partnerships, and public-facing platforms
- Supports research that advances community impact and broader social change