In February 2022, piloted the first ever history course about the African Canadian experience at the 嫩芽视频 (HCDSB). The course was developed by HCDSB teacher, Doreen Bonsu, recipient of the English Language Arts (ELAN) Ontario Award, which is awarded to teachers who are committed to equity, student achievement, and well-being.
The course, Origins of Citizenship (African Canadians), highlights the diversity of African cultures, the effects of the transatlantic slave trade, and systemic racism. It also explores the roots and impact of Black Canadians on society.
As part of the course, students were given the opportunity to collaborate with to produce videos that focused on anti-Black racism.
Alpha Education is a non-profit charitable organization that contributes to peace and reconciliation and supports efforts in promoting awareness for the history of World War II in Asia.
Bishop Reding students Sephrah, Jonathan, Talia and Shannel were awarded first place for their video titled 鈥淩acism – The Mutating Monster鈥�, and received a prize of $260!
鈥淲e appreciate being given the opportunity to create a piece of work that we hope will create uncomfortable conversations and foster change throughout Halton,鈥� said Grade 11 student, Jonathan.
鈥淚t is always difficult to discuss Black trauma and suffering, but we believe these conversations are important. Nonetheless, we are grateful that Alpha Education provided us a platform to talk about these issues.鈥�
Throughout the course, students participated in a variety of interactive activities, allowing them to infuse art with history. The first activity they worked on was creating Egyptian Clay art, led by Patricia Carrasquilla, from StreetDog Art Studio. While learning the nuances of clay art, students also learned important information about the Egyptian Civilization.
Local Milton artist, Omar 鈥淥ms鈥� Hopkinson, facilitated an interactive art session where students were able to use their creativity while being inspired by music associated with the Black experience.
The class has also had exceptional guest speakers, such as award-winning author Ekiuwa Aire, who taught students about Queen Idia, from the Kingdom of Benin, as well as Lawrence Hill, who shared his experiences making his novel The Book of Negroes into a mini-series.
Congratulations to student winners Sephrah, Jonathan, Talia and Shannel! Kudos to Ms Doreen Bonsu for creating this course that offers such interactive and educational experiences for our students!
December 20, 2022 Regular Board Meeting
Doreen Bonsu will be presenting about the Origins of Citizenship (African Canadians) course to the Board of Trustees at the Regular Board Meeting of the 嫩芽视频 on Tuesday, December 20, 2022. Tune in through the link below.
