Every February is recognized as Black History Month in Canada. It is a time to celebrate Black culture and history and recognize the achievements and significant contributions Black Canadians have made and continue to make that enrich Canada. .
While the experiences, stories and successes of people of African descent must be reflected in school experiences all year long, the month of February provides a special time for focused reflection The OCDSB acknowledges the historic and contemporary role of schools in Canada in perpetuating myths, doctrines, false science, and narratives that have resulted in policies and behaviours that have negatively impacted how children of African descent feel, think, grow, and learn.
Several initiatives support us in working towards our commitments:
- Black Excellence Day: Schools hosted Black excellence events and participated in learning activities to celebrate the joys, narratives, accomplishments and contributions of Black Canadians past and present.
- Black Graduation Program: The Black Graduation Program is a support program developed to disrupt barriers to achievement for Black students by providing culturally relevant and responsive support and services to assist Black students and their families.
- Black Student Associations: To support belonging, voice and engagement, there are Black Student Associations running in most secondary schools.
The OCDSB is committed to promoting equity and inclusion in every one of our schools and workplaces, and we believe that honouring and sharing the rich cultural diversity within all of our schools and communities will help to dispel harmful biases and enlighten our understanding of each other. We encourage every member of the OCDSB to take part in celebrating Black history, culture, and achievements, this month and throughout the year.
Educational Resources
- Canada’s Black Justice Strategy
- A Black People’s History of Canada
- Black Mental Health Week Canada
- Historica Canada: Black History in Canada
- Canadian Museum of Human Rights: Black History and Human Rights
- Ontario Black History Society
- Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario: 365 Black Canadian Curriculum
- Black Communities in Canada: A Rich History (Ages 15-17)