Assiniboine Community College is celebrating Black History Month by creating a new bursary for students.

In a Friday media release, the college said it is creating an annual $2,000 “Ignite” bursary aimed at students who self-identify as Black Canadians and can demonstrate financial need.

The funds for the bursary were raised through ACC’s annual Foundation Legacy Gala Dinner in 2023.

“Assiniboine recognizes the importance of Black History Month, the legacy and the future of Black Canadians,” college president Mark Frison said in the release. “This fund and the financial support for students that it will provide is one important step toward supporting Black excellence.”

According to the release, the Black population rose by 132 per cent in southwest Manitoba and 97 per cent in Brandon between 2015 and 2019.

» The Brandon Sun