BIPOC/ALANA Student Resources

These resources were curated by BIPOC/ALANA students at Worcester Polytechnic Institute for BIPOC/ALANA students. 

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Alesia LeSane, Dean Deborah Jackson, and Arnold Lane Jr. on the couch in the Center for Black Excellence

CONTACT
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME)
100 Institute Road
Worester, MA 01609
Phone: 508-831-5796
Fax: 508-831-5818

Black Student Wellness Resources

Mind
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Mind

Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME)

  • Mosaic: Men of Color Support Group
  • Mélange: Women of Color Support Group
  • Pride: LGBTQIAP+ Networking and Support Group
  • Faith and Spiritually Support Group

Student Development and Counseling Center (SDCC)

  • BIPOC Support Group
  • Let's Talk in the Center for Black Excellence
  • Let’s Talk in the International Student and Scholars Office
  • Black Student Cohort for Student Support Network
  • Expressive Art Therapy

Center for Well-being (CWB)

  • Training for Black Student Radical Health Facilitators
    • Paid Opportunity
  • Training for Black Student Peer Well-being Ambassadors
    • Paid Opportunity
  • Wellness and Academic Coaching with Peer Well-being Ambassadors
    • By Appointment

Student Health Services (SHS)

  • Behavioral Health Medication Management
Body
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Body

Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME)

  • Black Caucus Meeting
  • BIPOC/ALANA Student Welcome Reception
  • LGBTQIAP+ Student Student Welcome Reception
  • Black Excellence Series
  • Black Boulevard (Affinity Housing)
  • Insight Program Course (WPI 1601)

Physical Education, Sports, Recreation, and Athletics (PERA)

  • Sports & Recreational Center and outdoor spaces for general fitness & recreation
  • Wellness and Physical Education (WPE) courses for well-being, fun, and fitness*

*WPI Graduation Requirement

Center for Well-being (CWB)

  • Center for Wellbeing Wellness Hub (Water Wall)
  • Compression Boots
  • Yoga
  • Red Light Therapy
  • Afro-Caribbean Dance Class
  • Expressive Arts: DIY Tuesdays
  • African Jewelry
  • Basketry with Aluminum Wire

Student Health Services (SHS)

  • Primary Care Medical Services

Student Development and Counseling Center (SDCC)

  • Expressive Art Therapy
  • Student Athlete Support Group
Spirit
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Spirit

Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Multicultural Education (ODIME)

  • Sunday Service at Worcester’s Oldest Black Church
  • Open Office Hours with Campus Chaplains and Religious Advisors
    • By Appointment

Center for Well-being (CWB)

  • Dedicated Prayer Space (DH 102A)
    • Wednesdays 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
  • Sound Bathing (DH 102E)
    • Mondays 6:00 to 7:00 PM (bi-weekly)
  • Rest and Reflection Room (DH 102A)
    • Prayer, Meditation, Reiki (Drop-in Daily)

Campus Prayer and Reflection Spaces

  • Collegiate Religious Center
  • Center for Well-being
  • Gordon C. Library Reflection Space
  • Adam El-Khishin Meditation Area
  • Islamic Prayer Room (East Hall)

Campus Affinity Spaces and Identity Centers

  • Collegiate Religious Center (CRC)
  • OASIS Multicultural Center (OASIS House)
  • Center for Black Excellence (RCC 222)
  • Lavender Lounge (RCC 225)
  • Lotus Lounge (RCC 218)
  • International Student and Scholars Office

Grocery Stores/Markets

Shaw's

14 W Boylston St, Worcester, MA 01605

https://www.shaws.com/

Price Chopper

221-223 Park Ave, Worcester, MA 01609

https://www.pricechopper.com/

Trader Joe's

77 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA 01545

https://www.traderjoes.com/home

Mekong Market

747 Main St, Worcester, MA 01610

Pinoy Republic & Sons

545 SW Cutoff, Worcester, MA 01607

Adom Market

1073A Main Street, Phone: 774-420-2778

Asamass Trading

1084 Main Street, Phone: 508-615-2097

https://www.asamasstrading.com/

Kumasi Market

 852 Main Street Worcester MA, 01610, Phone: 508-754-2215

Faith N Hope Farms Inc

196 Lincoln St, Worcester, MA 01605, Phone: 508-752-1956

https://faithhopefarms.com/

Monrovia Africa Market

78 Waverly St, Worcester, MA 01604, Phone: 508-579-4803

Rabash International African Food Market

 438 Pleasant Street, Worcester, MA 01609, Phone: 508- 685-2025

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NigerianMarket/

Think Africa

78 Waverly Street, Worcester, MA, Phone: 774-530-6140

World Market

623 Lincoln Street, Worcester, MA 01605, Phone: 774-262-9286

https://stores.worldmarket.com/ma/framingham/1-worcester-road.html

Beauty Supply Stores & Hair Salons

Queen Beauty Supply

91 Stafford Street, Worcester, MA 01603

Phone: 508-752-4550

https://yesqueenbeautysupply.com/

Capelli Avanti

104 Grove St, Worcester, MA 01605

Phone: 15087573855

Tia's Hair Studio

59 Park Ave, Worcester, MA

Phone: (508) 754-2044 

Shi Shi's Lounge

https://www.shishisalon.net/

376 Chandler St, Worcester, MA 01602

Phone: (508) 304-7870

Clarisse Hair Braiding

139 Pleasant St

Phone: (508) 459-4980

Adowa- Lavish Beauty

 IG: @lavishbeautyempire

 

Ashaunti Carpenter - Seamless Hair Boutique

IG:@seamlesshairboutiqe

Catherine- True Tresses

IG: @_truetresses

tressesgaloree@gmail.com

Stefania- Rina Luxe Collection

IG: @rinaluxecollection

RinaLuxe@gmail.com

Hairdresser/Barber

Atiyana- Headliners Barbershop & Salon, Hairstylist

312 Grafton Street, Worcester, MA 01604

774-559-9309, atiyanakelley98@gmail.com

IG: @touchedbyatii

 

Barbara, Braids and much more

IG: @luxuriously.touched, Phone: 508-901-7940

Bella’s Galore, Wigs, Hair Bundles, Closures, etc.

IG: @bellas.galore ○ Email: bellasgalore.co@gmail.com

Crowned by Glory Studios, Hair Salon

Phone: 774-314-4031

www.crownedbyglory.com

Elizabeth, Makeup Artist & Hairstylist

IG: @originalauntielizzy, Phone: 508-736-6551

97C Webster Street, Worcester, MA

Kasha, Braids, Wig install, etc.

IG: @508lacequeen

774-287-6043, vakashia@gmail.com

Philomina, Braider

Phone: 508-753-4974

Prestige Hair Braiding, Hair Salon (Kinky, Marley, and Regular Twists, Crotchet, Locs, etc.)

406 West Boylston Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01606

Facebook: 508 prestige hair braiding (visit for Appointment Availability)

Phone: (774) 239-2334

Rufina Ketter, Sew-Ins, Box Braids, Cornrows, Custom Wigs, and Makeup

IG: @highlyblessedhands, Snapchat: @mamaketter                                                               

https://www.styleseat.com/m/v/rufinaketter

Tahj, Hair Extensions Service

Phone: 774-262-9066 IG: @tahj2trill

Teiko- TK’s Attractions, Crochet, Braids, Locs, Twists

IG: @tksattractions

Touched By Thania

IG: @touchedbythania (for services), IG: @touchedtresses (for bundles)

TouchedByKay, Box braids, Cornrows, Sew-Ins, Wig Installations, and Retwists

Clothing

Iron Punisher Apparel, Fitness apparel

243 Stafford Street Worcester, MA 01603

IG: @Ironpunisherapparelco

774-708-2629, http://www.ironpunisherapparelco.com

Michael Agbortoko- Soxcessful

22 Front Street Worcester, MA 01608 ○ 508-818-1090

www.soxcessful.com 

RoboHoney, Mental Health-inspired Streetwear

IG: @robohoney

Cosmetics

Bryana Point DuJour- BRYS Honey, Lip-glosses

IG: @bryshoneyenterprise

S.J. Health & Beauty LLC (in partnership with Nataiwi Products LLC), Organic Hair, Beauty, and Health Supplies

https://sjhealthandbeauty.com, IG: @sj_healthbeautyllc & @nataiwiproductsllc

Stacy Badu- Luxury Mink Lashes, 100% mink lashes

IG: @lashedbymaxine

Nail Salon

KuteKellz Glitter Box, Nail Salon (offers classes/workshops)

14 Portland Street, Worcester, MA 01609

 IG: @kute_kellz

401-649-7206, kkglitterbox@gmail.com

Jewelry

Demoiselle Accessories, Boutique-Handbags, Jewelry, Accessories

342 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608

Phone: 774-778-8778, IG & Facebook: @/demoiselleacc

Ella Amoah- K.E Jewels, Handmade Jewelry/Accessories

IG: @k.ejewels

Gloryland textiles, African-wear and Jewelry

Phone: 508-757-6744

TJH - The Jewelry House

16 Portland St, Worcester, MA 01609

Phone: (508) 579-2657

Tracey West- Jewelz by Traci Lynn, Jewelry/Watches

Facebook: Jewelz’n with Tracey

jewelzwithtracey@gmail.com, Phone: 774-535-6695

Art

Abu Mwenye- Visionary Africa, Visual Artist/Painter (canvas and digital prints, framed posters, posters, designer lamps)

visionaryafrica.com ○ IG: @visionaryafrica

75 Webster Street, Worcester, MA 01603 ○ mwenye228@gmail.com, 508-963-6370

Cana Art Services, Art pieces, crafts, and personalized products

IG: @canaartservices

Coca Shahed- The Codega, Visual Artist (trays, canvas, bags, sneakers + more)

IG: @cocascreations

Ivory Henry, Various Art Pieces (of 6/8 still selling handmade evil eyes and donating to black organizations/donations)

IG @artbyivory ○ www.depop.com/ivoryhnry

Jennifer Carey- JenniferCareyArtworks, Artist in Fine Art Enamel and Photography

IG: @jennifercareyartworks, Facebook: Jennifer Carey Artworks

Khalil Guzman, Artist (commissions various art pieces/requests)

IG: @theworcesterworkshop, kguzman1223@gmail.com

Quazay McClain-Robinson, Custom sneakers/clothing and other various art pieces

Currently accepting commissions via email @ quazaymcrob@gmail.com

Facebook: Quazay McRob; IG: @quazaymcrob ○ Website coming soon (see Quazay’s listing in photography as well)

Photography

Andrew Ayetey- Africaba

Phone: (774) 253-0070

Emmanuel Boakye Appiah- NewGenn, Photography & Music Production

Phone: (508) 556-4616, https://newgennstudios.com/, IG: @kwameblue

Hollis Sarkodieh, Photographer/Videographer

508-373-8711, IG: @hollissarkodieh

Oghomwen Igiesuorobo- Invivoneurons Photography

invivoneuronsphotography@gmail.com, IG: @invivoneurons_photography

Kwasi Agyekum

IG: @Ashantiking_  Phone: (774) 243-4939

Nana Minkah

@kminpro

NikEli, Photography

IG: @Nikeli_photos

Phone: 508-353-2737, www.nikeliphotography.com

Priscilla Adu- Boahen, Photography

@ohemapriscilla

Quazay McClain-Robinson, photographer- ranging from maternity photos, modeling, barber work/hairstylists, chefs, realtors

 Book via email quazaymcrob@gmail.com, Facebook: Quazay McRob; IG: @quazaymcrob

Ralph Weah, Photography/Videography

IG: @steadywaveproduction

Renak, photography

IG: @Renak_photography

William Gardiner Photography

www.wgphotography.com, Phone: (508) 713-3411

Restaurants

The Boynton

https://www.boyntonrestaurant.com/

117 Highland St, Worcester, MA 01609

The Fix Burger Bar

https://www.thefixburgerbar.com/

108 Grove St, Worcester, MA 01605

Fuel America

https://fuelamericacoffee.com/

100 Grove St, Worcester, MA 01605

Thai Time

https://www.thaitimeworcester.com/

107 Highland St, Worcester, MA 01609

Dragon Dynasty

https://dragondynastytakeout.com/

104 Highland St, Worcester, MA 01609

Miss Worcester Diner

https://missworcesterdiner.com/

300 Southbridge St, Worcester, MA 01608

Altea's Eatery

http://www.alteaseatery.com/

259 Park Ave, Worcester, MA 01609

Baba Sushi

https://babasushi.com/

309 Park Ave, Worcester, MA 01609

Mint Kitchen and Bar

https://www.mintworcester.com/

79 Maywood St, Worcester, MA 01603

My Sister’s Crawfish II

https://my-sisters-crawfish-ii.edan.io/

442 Park Ave, Worcester, MA 01602

Island Fin Poke

https://www.islandfinpoke.com/

41 Park Ave Ste 2, Worcester, MA 01605

Bean Counter Café

https://www.beancounterbakery.com/

270 Grove St, Worcester, MA 01605

Chuan Shabu
Bagel Time

https://bageltimeusa.com/

194 Park Ave, Worcester, MA 01602

Rice Violet
12th Avenue Cake Studio (Baker; Custom Cakes [Buttercream Only])

IG: @12thavenuecakestudio, alise@12thavenuecakestudio.com

Accra Girls (Ghanaian)

1280 Grafton St Worcester, MA 01604 United States

Phone: +1 (508) 459-0054

Addie Lee’s Soul Food (Southern/soul food)

596 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608

https://www.allmenus.com/ma/worcester/535925-addie-lees-soul-food/menu/

Phone: (508) 752-0569

Anokye Krom (Ghanaian)

687 Millbury St, Worcester, MA 01607, 508-753-8471

Arethas kitchen (Jamaican)

118 Cambridge St Worcester, MA 01603, Phone (774) 530-6114

Belmont Vegetarian (Jamaican & American)

157 Belmont Street, Worcester, MA 01605, Phone: 508-798-8898 

Berry’s Sweet Confections (Desserts)
Caribbean Flavor (Jamaican)

Phone: (774) 823-3590, 976A Main Street, Worcester, MA 01603

Elder Paintsil’s African restaurant (Ghanaian)

984 Main Street, Worcester, MA, 508-755-5510

Fatima’s Cafe (East African, Somali)

43 W Boylston Street, Worcester, MA 01605, Phone: 508-762-9797

fatimascafe.com

Gold Coast (Ghanaian)

8 Blackstone River Road, Worcester, MA 01607

Phone: 774-420-7766

Homestyle Cuisine (Jamaican)

82 Harrison Street, Worcester, MA 01604

Phone: 774-420-2999

Idaliana Medina [Pastry Chef Medina], Baker/Caterer of a variety of pastries

Phone: 774- 253-2649, IG: @pastrychefmedina, pastrychefmedina@gmail.com

Janet Baafi, Catering Services for Small Events

Phone: 631-746-5706

Jamaica Thymes (Jamaican)

Lincoln Street, Worcester, MA 01605 b. 508-373-2944

https://www.zmenu.com/jamaica-thymes-worcester-online-menu/

Joyful Way (Ghanaian)

47 Blackstone River Road, Worcester, MA 01607

Phone: 508-753-3406 17. Made By Keeks (Baker; Organic Desserts & Pastries)

Phone: 508-667-1817

IG: @madebykeekss

One Love Cafe- Venice Fouchard (Jamaican)

50 Green Street, Worcester, MA 01604

Phone: 774-272-3969, onelovecafe@gmail.com

Philips E&N Seafood (Seafood)

264 Grafton Street, Worcester, MA 01603

Phone: 508-345-7235 philips-en-seafood.business.site

PREGAME on Park (Bar; Live music, Karaoke, Games)

413 Park Avenue, Worcester, MA 01610, Phone: (508) 459-9940 https://www.facebook.com/PREGAMEonPark/

The Caribbean Press (Food Truck & Caterings Services)

Facebook: The Caribbean Press (visit page for updates on location), Phone: 508-873-4440, thecaribbeanpress@gmail.com, IG: @thecaribbeanpress

The Vegan Nest (Locally Sourced Vegan Food)

6 Waldo Street, Worcester, MA 01608

http://thevegannestcafe.com

Twitter, Instagram, Facebook: @VeganNest

Unique Cafe [Nadine James]

Phone: 774-253-0955, uniquecafe1@gmail.com