During the month of February, the 嫩芽视频 (HCDSB) is proud to honour and celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Black Canadians, both past and present, as we pay tribute to the diverse backgrounds, experiences, cultures and histories of Black individuals and communities.
This year, our theme for Black History Month is African Systems of Knowledge. African Systems of Knowledge, also referred to as African Indigenous Knowledge, is an area of study that focuses on ancient knowledge systems on the African continent. While there are many ethnic groups in Africa, during Black History Month, HCDSB schools will focus on the knowledge systems that existed within the Sub-Saharan (Central Africa, East Africa, Southern Africa, and West Africa) region of the continent.
Read the Letter from Director Klein ~ Black History Month
Background
Black Canadians have played an important role in shaping our nation鈥檚 heritage and identity; however Black History has not always been celebrated or adequately acknowledged.
- In December 1995, the House of Commons unanimously adopted a motion to officially recognize February as Black History Month in Canada. The motion was moved by the Honourable Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament.
- In February 2008, Senator Donald Oliver, the first black man appointed to the Senate, introduced a . The motion carried unanimously.
Black Excellence Beyond February
While the month of February offers an opportunity for intentional focus on the histories and robust contributions of Black Canadians, we know that our commitment to centering Black identity, Black joy, and Black excellence must extend beyond February. We also know that denouncing and dismantling anti-Black racism in our classrooms and across our community is our moral and legal obligation, and essential to ensuring our schools and workplaces are free of discrimination and harassment.
At HCDSB, we are committed to Human Rights and Equity and we undertake this commitment in a variety of ways, including shared leadership, professional learning, inclusive curriculum/assessment practices, and responding to discrimination and harassment. In 2022, through our Human Rights and Equity office, we implemented procedure VI:102, Responding to Hate or Biased Motivated Incidents that specifically outlines a consistent and transparent process that is in place to report, respond, document, remedy and prevent hate or bias motivated incidents impacting HCDSB students. This protocol is available on every HCDSB school website.
While we have made some progress, our work is not done. We must be proactive and accountable to Black students, families and staff as we continue to denounce racism and centre Black joy and excellence to create safe, welcoming and inclusive schools.
Black History Month Resources
Library Services at HCDSB offers a variety of and educational material, including eBooks, videos, articles, websites, as well as a Black History Month topic guide. HCDSB staff can access the Visit online for details!
There is also a Human Rights and Equity D2L Course available to all HCDSB Staff for resources to support the professional development of equity and inclusive education, as well as a calendar of events, activities and resources for celebrating Black History Month at HCDSB.
Black History Month Events
On February 8, 2024, our school board will host our first system-wide Black Excellence Symposium for Students. The symposium will consist of a keynote presentation and a variety of workshops on topics that will inspire, motivate and celebrate students in Black Student Unions across HCDSB.
Throughout the month of February, a number of virtual and in-person events, as well as learning opportunities are planned in Halton and in our schools in partnership with HCDSB and various community partners. These events and initiatives will continue to take place throughout the school year.
Special thanks to our community partners , , and the for their support of these school and system-wide events.
2024 Black History Month Planning
Our HCDSB schools are honouring and celebrating Black History Month 2024 in a variety of ways. The link below features some of the many initiatives taking place across HCDSB schools, including events, speakers, and activities focused on honouring and educating students about Black history and culture.
