During the month of February, the ÄÛÑ¿ÊÓƵ (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 Black Futures, a celebration of joy, opportunity, excellence, and dreams. This theme reflects our commitment to not only honouring the rich history and contributions of Black Canadians but also envisioning and actively working towards a future where Black students, staff, and families can thrive. Black Futures highlights the idea that all students should see themselves reflected in education, thus nurturing their purpose and life goals. This Black History Month, we aim to inspire all members of our community to contribute to an environment where Black voices are uplifted and celebrated every day.
Background
Black Canadians have played an important role in shaping our nation’s 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
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.
Black Excellence Student Symposium: Empowering Futures
On Thursday, February 20, 2025, our school board will host a system-wide Black Excellence Symposium for Students: Empowering Futures. The symposium is a one-day event designed to empower and inspire Black youth through a series of interactive workshops, motivational sessions, and discussions that will empower students to embrace their identity, develop leadership skills, and confidently pursue their goals.
Black Excellence Parent Symposium: Legacy Building
On Thursday, February 27, 2025, our school board is hosting the Black Excellence Parent Symposium: Legacy Building. This event is an evening for parents/guardians and families of students participating in Black Student Unions and Black Student Associations. In collaboration with Halton Black Voices, this parent symposium is an opportunity for parents and families to see the impact of BSU/BSA spaces, connect and build community, and attend workshops focused on affirming identity and mental health and wellness.
