Our journey began in November 2020, when we connected with our very first Black international student. By the following year, that number had grown to eight. What started as a heartfelt ministry—rooted in our Christian faith—quickly evolved into a growing movement.
 

As former newcomers to Canada, we understood firsthand the challenges international students face: culture shock, isolation, housing insecurity, and financial pressure. Supported by a strong network of friends, family, and professional connections in the Greater Hamilton and Toronto Area, we felt called to walk alongside these students.

Our mission was simple but deeply meaningful: to help Black international students acclimate, thrive, and stay focused on their studies—while we supported their well-being, sense of belonging, and everyday needs.
 

Over the years, we’ve stood beside our students through struggles, milestones, and celebrations. Today, CSBIS supports more than 40 students from across the Caribbean and various regions of Africa. Even more inspiring is that many former students are now giving back—welcoming and mentoring those who have come after them. This is a powerful reflection of our mission in action.
 

In October 2024, we formally registered Community Support for Black International Students as a not-for-profit organization in Hamilton, Ontario. This milestone marks a new chapter in our journey—focused on building a more structured, sustainable, and empowering support system for Black international students in Canada, now and into the future.