On February 8, 2024, Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School hosted HCDSB鈥檚 first-ever Black Excellence Symposium that aimed to foster learning, sharing, and connections among students passionate about creating a more equitable and inclusive future for Black students.
The event brought together 250 students from HCDSB secondary schools across HCDSB who are actively involved in groups called Black Student Unions (BSU) and Black Student Associations (BSA).
Students engaged in meaningful conversations, gaining insights into innovative practices and ideas while commemorating Black History Month.
Some of the key highlights of the symposium included:
- A keynote presentation by educator, author, and advocate Matthew Morris
- 10 workshops led by Black facilitators that covered a range of topics aimed at inspiring, motivating, and celebrating students within BSU and BSA spaces, touching on pathways, mental health and wellness, the complexity of identity, gaming, and athletics.
- Lunch featuring cuisine from across the Diaspora that was provided by the local restaurants.
- Attendance from various community partners and friends such as Halton Black Voices, The Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton, Roots Community Services, and the Faculty of Engineering at McMaster University.鈥�
Conversations with BSU/BSA students and the Board-wide Black Empowered United Students group highlighted the importance of creating spaces where students feel seen, heard, and understood, as well as the need for support and Black representation among adults.鈥疶he symposium underscored the significance of community building and collaboration among students while emphasizing the empowerment of Black students within HCDSB schools.聽
While the Black Excellence Symposium was an opportunity to uplift Black students at HCDSB, the work towards dismantling anti-Black racism in our HCDSB schools is ongoing. We remain unwavering in our commitment to implementing changes to foster a more equitable and inclusive school system, where every student and staff member is valued.
For more information, see Black Excellence Symposium Presentation.
