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During the month of February, the Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB) and the Halton District School Board (HDSB) are recognizing Black History Month with a wide range of initiatives that celebrate the achievements, contributions and excellence of Black Canadians, past and present.
At HCDSB, this year’s theme, Celebrating Black Excellence at HCDSB, highlights the successes of Black students, staff and families, while reinforcing the board’s commitment to ensuring all students see themselves reflected in their learning environments. The board notes that while Black History Month provides an opportunity for focused reflection, its work to centre Black identity, joy and excellence, and to address anti-Black racism, extends year-round through equity-focused leadership, inclusive curriculum practices and established protocols for responding to hate or bias-motivated incidents.
HCDSB will also host several learning opportunities and events throughout February and beyond, including a system-wide Black Excellence Student Symposium: Empowering Leaders for Life on Thursday, February 12th. The one-day symposium will focus on student leadership and governance, offering workshops, mentorship circles and advocacy training designed to equip students with skills to organize, advocate and create positive change with the support of community mentors.
Meanwhile, schools across the Halton District School Board are marking Black History Month under the theme 30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries, commemorating three decades of official recognition in Canada. Throughout February, HDSB students will take part in activities including steelpan and djembe drumming sessions, Black Excellence forums and assemblies, author talks, poetry presentations and community events that highlight Black history, culture, leadership and creativity.
Planned initiatives include a Black Excellence Forum featuring keynote speaker Curtis Ennis, Director of Education for the HDSB, presentations for elementary and secondary students, virtual sessions with Ontario Poet Laureate Matthew-Ray “Testament” Jones, and a moderated discussion with author Lawrence Hill for Grade 6 to 8 students and their families in Milton. The board will also host Brilliant Black Futures: A Celebration in Honour of Black History Month, in partnership with the Black Opportunity Fund, featuring a documentary screening, student exhibitions and community resources.
“Black History Month provides an opportunity for HDSB students, staff and families to truly honour the lives, stories and lasting contributions of Black Canadians who have shaped the richness of our country,” says Ennis. “It is a time to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and ensure these voices and experiences are meaningfully reflected in learning throughout the year.”
Both boards say events and initiatives planned for Black History Month are part of broader, ongoing efforts to foster inclusive, welcoming school communities and support student success throughout the year.
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