Inspiring change: How Nipissing alumnus Taijon Eccleston-Graham is impacting communities through storytelling

When it comes to storytelling, few can captivate an audience quite like Nipissing alumnus Taijon Eccleston-Graham. From his pioneering initiative Shoot for Change to his newly released documentary series, The Road to Convocation, Eccleston-Graham has leveraged his passion for sports and community to leave a lasting impact.

Reflecting on his time at Nipissing as a student-athlete, Eccleston-Graham acknowledges its paramount role in shaping his career path. “Through the support of the university and my head coach, Thomas Cory, I was able to intertwine community engagement with athletics,” he explains. This dual passion led him to a vision of creating positive change through basketball, with the overall goal of impacting communities on a larger scale.

Currently pursuing his Master of Sport Management and Leadership at the University of Windsor, Eccleston-Graham credits Nipissing for fostering an environment that supports alumni in their creative endeavours. “A school like Nipissing always leaves the door open for those who want to come back and make a positive impact,” he says. His documentary series, which explores the personal journeys of Nipissing’s student-athletes, is a testament to the school’s unwavering encouragement.

Inspired by iconic sports documentaries like The Last Dance and Last Chance U, Eccleston-Graham found a medium to expand his passion for storytelling. “Growing up, I always loved watching documentaries, especially sports documentaries. During COVID-19, these stories were a source of motivation for me,” he shares. With Shoot for Change, he found a way to make an impact as a student-athlete, and the success of this initiative inspired him to document his journey and reach even broader audiences.

The road to The Road to Convocation, however, was not without obstacles. In developing the documentary, Eccleston-Graham initially struggled to capture the essence of the experience. Midway through, he realized that his goal was to highlight the highs and lows of student-athletes’ journeys. “We changed our approach, conducting long-form interviews to delve into each athlete’s personal journey, challenges, and triumphs. These stories brought depth and authenticity to the series.” 

The Shoot for Change initiative had a transformative effect on the North Bay community and beyond. Launched to promote conversations around anti-racism and inclusion, Shoot for Change resonated widely, even leading to the establishment of Nipissing’s first BIPOC bursary: The Warren Lindsay Bursary.

His goal for The Road to Convocation goes beyond social change; he aims to inspire viewers to see the strength in resilience and the rewards of dedication. “I hope people are moved by the players’ stories, understanding that although tough times may come, it’s worth it when you cross that stage as a graduate.”

Nipissing provided Eccleston-Graham with a solid foundation for building a professional network, opening doors to opportunities with major organizations such as the Toronto Raptors, Ontario University Athletics (OUA), and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE). Notably, he collaborated with fellow alumni and mentors, including Cindy Karugia, who co-founded Nipissing University Black Association for Student Expression (NUBASE) with him, and Sarah McGowan, former NUSU Director of Communications, who was instrumental in expanding Shoot for Change’s reach.

“The support at Nipissing was phenomenal. It allowed me to achieve my goals, create initiatives, and make meaningful connections,” Eccleston-Graham says. This network has been a catalyst in his journey, helping him realize his creative vision and amplifying his initiatives.

Eccleston-Graham’s message to current Nipissing students is simple yet powerful: “Go for it.” He encourages students to believe in their capacity to create change, even if their initial influence seems limited. “When people see your passion, they are more willing to help,” he advises, underscoring the value of taking that first step toward making a difference.

As Eccleston-Graham’s journey continues, he dreams of one day establishing his own production company focused on storytelling through sports. The legacy of Shoot for Change will live on at Nipissing, now led by second-year student-athlete Javayah Hope, while Eccleston-Graham prepares to bring the initiative to the University of Windsor, where he will host Shoot for Change in January 2025.

Taijon Eccleston-Graham’s story reflects the power of combining passion with purpose. From community engagement to filmmaking, he has used his platform to uplift others and inspire change - carrying the spirit of Nipissing University with him every step of the way.

Viewers can stream The Road to Convocation docuseries via https://tv1.bell.ca/fibetv1/shows/the-road-to-convocation  

To learn more about Shoot for Change and other important work from NUBASE, visit www.nipissingu.ca/news/2022/nubase-reveals-name-inaugural-bipoc-bursary

Media Contact:

Khia Beauchesne
Communications Officer
Nipissing University
(705) 474-3450 ext. 4035
communications@nipissingu.ca