Bour Opoku ’24

Biography

Bour Opoku, Oberlin Class of '24, is the newest member of the Center for Student Success. Bour is stepping into the inaugural role of First-Generation and Income-Eligible (FGIE) Coordinator. With a Bachelors degree in sociology and high honors Africana studies, along with minors in law and society and gender, sexuality, and feminist studies, she brings her knowledge and a touch of creativity to the team.

Originally from London but having grown up across the globe in the UK, Ghana, Canada, and the United States, Bour’s journey is as diverse as her background. One of her favorite experiences at Oberlin has been conducting research. Her research began with a deep dive into the historical hypersexualization of Black women, unraveling its psychological and sociological effects. She then channeled her artistic flair into a short film for her senior honors capstone, celebrating the multifaceted identities of Black women. By using the metaphor of the seven stages of grief, the film portrays Black women as confident and resilient, pushing back against long held stereotypes and highlighting their empowerment. Bour’s research has ignited her passion for advocating fair access to healthcare and mental health resources in underserved communities. 

When she’s not working, you might find her exploring her love for makeup artistry, painting, DIY clothing design, hiking, or indulging in reruns of Breaking Bad and Bridgerton.