Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) schools make efforts throughout the year to celebrate the valuable contributions of all Canadians. With February being Black History Month, classrooms across our district will be focused on learning about notable Black Canadians, reading works by Black authors, learning the history of Black History Month and celebrating Black culture.
“The communities that we serve are more diverse than ever before and it is very important that all students, staff and families see themselves reflected in our schools and curriculum,” explains Dan McRae, Principal of Equity and Inclusion with the UCDSB. “I’m proud that our schools are celebrating Black History Month and that we have also made an everyday commitment to recognize, teach and celebrate members of the Black community who have made significant contributions to Canada and around the world but who have historically not received the same recognition as their peers.”
This month, classes will be focusing on reading books, graphic novels and poetry by Black authors, watching Heritage Minute stories of Chloe Cooley, Jackie Shane, Richard Pierpoint, to name a few, and participating in classroom discussions around race, culture and more.
In December, students from Vankleek Hill Collegiate Institute welcomed Canadian author Lawrence Hill for a virtual visit in December to talk about his book, The Illegal. Students read the book in class as part of part of their exploration of social justice issues, and had meaningful discussions related to racism and xenophobia.
“We need to ensure that all our students feel like they belong. We need to give all students the opportunity to learn about themselves, their neighbours and their friends,” says UCDSB Chair John McAllister. “Our community is changing and if we don’t change along with it, we won’t be serving our students or families well and that hurts us all. I’m proud we are celebrating Black History Month, but I’m also very proud that students are learning about culture, racism, and social justice issues all year long.”
This video is again being widely-shared throughout the district.
For more information, please contact:
April Scott-Clarke
Manager of Communications
Upper Canada District School Board
[email protected]