In recognition of February's Black History Month, schools in the Halton District School Board have planned events and initiatives to celebrate and honour the contributions of Black Canadians, past and present.
“February is an important month for us at the Halton District School Board," said Stuart Miller, Director of Education for the Halton District School Board. “It is a time when we formally recognize, celebrate and honour the invaluable contributions of African-Canadians to the intellectual, societal, political, artistic and cultural landscape of Canada . Black History Month is a time to highlight the learning that is happening in classrooms throughout all months to affirm the achievements, knowledge, life experiences and identities of people of African descent in all curriculum areas. We are proud that two of our schools, Captain R. Wilson and James W. Hill Public Schools, are named after individual s who were integral to the Underground Railroad in bringing freedom and opportunities to those escaping slavery."
Some of the events Halton schools are hosting to celebrate the month include:
• Sunningdale Public School (Oakville): Shaun Boothe is an award-winning hip hop artist and the creator of The Unauthorized Biography Series, a critically-acclaimed musical project that celebrates some of the world's greatest cultural icons through biographical rap songs. He performs February 17.
• Aldershot School (Burlington): On February 14, the school is hosting Leo Johnson, a community activist who spends his time between Canada and Liberia. He will talk about African culture on behalf of Passages Canada. It's a storytelling initiative of Historica Canada, in which volunteers share their personal accounts of cultural identity and heritage.
• Alexander's Public School (Burlington): On February 6, award-winning CBC acclaimed performers Braithwaite and Whiteley present Sugar and Gold – The Story of the Underground Railroad in Canada. Students look forward to a lively, interactive performance that includes songs, slides, and storytelling to tell the history of the Underground Railroad in Canada and the first Black settlers.
• Stewarttown Middle School (Halton Hills) Performers from the Mississauga Living Arts Centre will host dance workshops on February 13-16, followed by a culminating performance by all students. Dance styles will include hip hop, Bollywood and African dancing.
• Craig Kielburger Secondary School (Milton): On February 17 motivational speaker and human rights strategist, Christopher D'Souza, will present an interactive workshop exploring the fundamental rights of students to learn in a bias free environment and the role educators should play in fostering equitable classrooms in partnership with other educators. There will be a focus on the contribution that Black Canadians have made to modern society. Also, the school choir will be performing Amani, an African-style song celebrating peace.
The Board will be hosting staff workshops to honour Black History Month. For example, staff will learn techniques, strategies, and tools for talking about race, particularly anti-Black racism, in the classroom and teaching it in social studies and history. Participants will explore how African Canadian history can be integrated across the curriculum in meaningful ways through the use of primary sources, online tools, the Arts, research, and a range of other supplementary materials such as books and media.
Every year, Canadians are invited to participate in Black History Month festivities and events that honour the legacy of Black Canadians, past and present. Canadians take this time to celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Black Canadians who, throughout history, have done much to make Canada the culturally diverse, compassionate and prosperous nation it is today.
"The Halton District School Board is proud to celebrate February as Black History Month. Our schools are hosting many activities and celebrations, as well as using the classroom to highlight and honour the legacy, achievements and contributions of African and Caribbean Canadians," said Rob Eatough, Superintendent of Education with the Halton District School Board. “We value their contributions and the positive impact they have had, and continue to have, on the fabric of our country, and beyond. The inclusion of culturally relevant instruction has benefits for all students."
For additional information, contact:
Rob Eatough, Superintendent of Education
Halton District School Board
905-335-3663; Toll free: 1-877-618-3456