Taijon Graham is a natural leader who goes above and beyond to create and contribute to an inclusive environment and has earned the inaugural OUA men's basketball equity, diversity, and inclusion award.

As a student-athlete on the Nipissing Lakers men's basketball team, Graham recognizes the potential reach of his voice, encouraging and demonstrating to other student-athletes the importance of using their platform to advocate for marginalized communities. 

For the past two years, Graham has co-hosted the Lakers LockerRoom podcast, creating a platform for thought-provoking conversations about sport issues and issues faced in today's society.

The third-year forward from Scarborough, Ont. is also the co-founder and president of the Nipissing University Black Association for Student Expression (NUBASE), whose mission is to promote diversity and inclusion on campus and in North Bay, assist in the proper implementation of anti-racism policies, and to provide Black students a platform to express themselves.

Through NUBASE, Graham has had a positive impact on campus by organizing educational events, including the Shoot for Change anti-racism basketball games, the inaugural edition of which raised over $16,800 for the Nipissing University BIPOC Bursary. 

In 2021, Graham received the Lakers Pride Award granted to athletes who embody passion, respect, integrity, dedication, and excellence.

That same year, he also received the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination's Students Who Make a Difference Award for his contributions to make the community more inclusive, and to cap off the 2021-22 season, was honoured with the Ken Shields Award (OUA East Division) as well as a special recognition award by the OUA for contributions and leadership for social change.