Black History Month art provided by the HCDSB
February is Black History Month and both the Halton District School Board (HDSB) and the Halton Catholic District School Board (HCDSB) have a busy month planned.
For the HDSB, their theme is Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations. It commemorates the extensive role Black Canadians have played and continue to play in shaping this country.
Over the month, students across the HDSB will explore and celebrate Black Excellence through a variety of engaging activities, including:
- A drumming performance by Babarinde Williams.
- A visit to the Art Gallery of Ontario to experience The Culture: Hip Hop and Contemporary Art in the 21st Century exhibition, celebrating Black creativity and the impact of hip-hop on art, fashion and global culture.
- A Black Excellence Assembly, where students will present poetry, drama pieces and dance performances, and staff and families will share personal reflections on what Black Excellence means to them.
- A culinary arts workshop on foods across the Black diaspora led by a skilled Black culinary arts teacher.
- The Exploring Us Conference: The Science of Us, hosted by the HDSB Graduation Coaches for Black Students program, will provide students with an opportunity to explore their identity through science, innovation and cultural heritage. Through experiential workshops, students will connect Blackness to the scientific world, celebrate Black contributions to global knowledge and engage in hands-on activities that inspire curiosity and empowerment.
As for the HCDSB, their theme this year is Black Futures, a celebration of joy, opportunity, excellence, and dreams. They say the theme reflects the board’s 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.
HCDSB events this month include:
- Black Excellence Student Symposium: Empowering Futures – Thursday, February 20th
- 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 – Thursday, February 27th
- 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.
The HCDSB is also extending their coverage of Black History beyond the month February. Learn more and find resources here.
The Town of Milton and Milton Mayor Gord Krantz proclaimed February as Black History Month.
Over in Halton Hills, the Town is holding a number of events throughout the month.
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