Halton District School Board recognizes Black History Month with presentations and events

By Halton District School Board - Feb 02, 2026

Feb. 2, 2026 - In recognition of Black History Month in February, schools in the Halton District School Board (HDSB) have planned initiatives that engage students in learning about, celebrating and honouring the lives, contributions, achievements and brilliance of Black Canadians, past and present.

This year’s theme, 30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries, commemorates three decades of Black History Month in Canada by recognizing the lasting contributions of Black Canadians. This theme acknowledges the legacy and ongoing impact of those who help shape Canada’s social, cultural and political landscape, while also celebrating the emerging leaders and changemakers shaping the future of this country.

Throughout the month of February, students across the HDSB will explore and celebrate Black Excellence through a variety of engaging activities, including:

  • A steelpan drumming group led by the Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton

  • A drumming session using the djembe, a traditional drum from West Africa

  • A Black Excellence Forum where students will hear from keynote speaker Curtis Ennis, Director of Education, and engage in breakout sessions to meet and engage with Black professionals from a variety of fields, learning firsthand about their careers, experiences and the ways they are shaping their communities. 

  • A Black Excellence Assembly, featuring presentations and performances created by students from classes and extracurricular groups, highlighting the contributions and achievements of Black Canadians across history and today.

  • More than 30 elementary schools will host Exploring Us: Black History Month presentations for Grade 6 to 8 students, providing an introduction to the HDSB’s Graduation Coach Program and offering resources, guidance and support to help students plan their academic journey. 

  • Secondary students will have the opportunity to hear from Ontario Poet Laureate Matthew-Ray “Testament” Jones, through his virtual presentation Footprints: It’s All About the Journey. The presentation commemorates Black excellence and joy, while connecting historical legacy to present-day responsibility.

  • Grade 6–8 students and their families in Milton are invited to a moderated discussion with Lawrence Hill, award-winning, bestselling author of The Book of Negroes. Hill will share insights into his creative process and his passion for writing stories rooted in Canada’s history.

  • The HDSB, in collaboration with the Black Opportunity Fund, will host Brilliant Black Futures: A Celebration in Honour of Black History Month. The event will feature a screening of Black Life: Untold Stories, a CBC documentary series exploring 400 years of the Black experience in Canada, as well as student exhibitions, community resource tables and information on programs supporting Black students and families, including the HDSB Graduation Coach Program and Black Student Union. Early learners can enjoy a reading circle led by Guyanese-born, Bajan-heritage author Yolanda Marshall. 

Quotes

“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 Curtis Ennis, Director of Education for the Halton District School Board. “It is a time to reflect on the past and recognize and celebrate the incredible contributions of Black people today, and to ensure these voices and experiences are meaningfully reflected in learning throughout the year. As we honour history and celebrate the present, we lead with kindness and care, creating school communities rooted in humanity, joy and connection, and continue to strive to provide learning environments where all students can be successful and feel a sense of belonging.”

HDSB 2024-2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan

The 2024-2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan sets direction and prioritizes the collective actions of all students, staff, families and community members. This plan ensures our efforts as an organization are aligned and coordinated to support more than 65,000 students, 11,000 staff and the broader HDSB community. The six commitments identified in this four-year plan intersect and overlap to ensure that we take a cohesive approach to fulfilling its objectives.

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For additional information, contact: Amy Mejia, Communications Specialist

communications@hdsb.ca | 905-335-3663, Toll free: 1-877-618-3456



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