During the month of February, our school is proud to honour and celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Black Canadians, both past and present, as we pay tribute to the diverse backgrounds, experiences, cultures and histories of Black individuals and communities.
Background
Black Canadians have played an important role in shaping our nation’s heritage and identity, however Black History has not always been celebrated or adequately acknowledged.
- In December 1995, the House of Commons unanimously adopted a motion to officially recognize February as Black History Month in Canada. The motion was moved by the Honourable Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament.
- In February 2008, Senator Donald Oliver, the first black man appointed to the Senate, introduced a Motion to Recognize the Contributions of Black Canadians and February as Black History Month. The motion carried unanimously.
Black Excellence Beyond February
While the month of February offers an opportunity for intentional focus on the histories and robust contributions of Black Canadians, we know that our commitment to centering Black excellence must extend beyond February. We also know that denouncing and dismantling anti-Black racism in our classrooms and across our community is our moral and legal obligation, and essential to ensuring our schools and workplaces are free of discrimination and harassment.
The Halton Catholic District School Board is committed to Human Rights and Equity and we undertake this commitment in a variety of ways, including shared leadership, professional learning, inclusive curriculum/assessment practices, and responding to discrimination and harassment. Through our Human Rights and Equity office, our Board has implemented a protocol that specifically outlines how we will disrupt incidents of racism and discrimination in our HCDSB schools. The protocol is posted on our Board website: Racism & Discrimination: Responding with Faith, Hope & Love.
While we have made some progress, our work is not done. We must be proactive and accountable to Black students, families and staff as we continue to denounce racism and centre Black excellence to create safe, welcoming and inclusive schools.
Black History Month Resources
The Learning Resource Centre at HCDSB offers a variety of educational material, including eBooks, videos, articles, websites, as well as a Black History Month topic guide. Visit the Learning Resource Centre online for details!
System-Wide Events
Throughout the year, a number of virtual events and learning opportunities are planned in Halton and across our schools in partnership with HCDSB and various community partners. Visit our HCDSB website to learn more about system-wide events.
School Initiatives, Events and Activities in Recognition of Black History Month
| EVENT | DATE | HOST | STUDENT GROUP |
| Anti-Racist Video | February 1 | Created by students in Mrs. Martin’s Sports Leadership Course. Will be shared via Morning Announcements and available on our school website by clicking Morning Announcements for February 1. | Entire School Community will view |
| Black History Month Cooking Class | February 1 @ 6:00 pm Tickets are free and it is an online event | Sheridan College Student Union https://www.thessu.ca/ssu-events/black-history-month-cooking-class-feb-2022 | Entire school community Q2 cooking classes |
| Oakville’s Black History | February 15 @ 7:00 pm Free event | Oakville Public Library https://attend.opl.on.ca/event/6091485 | Entire school Community |
| Black History Prayer Service | February 18 | Equity & Inclusivity Club | Entire school community |
| Who in Black History Thursday | (Feb. 3, 10, 17,24) | Student Council | Entire school community |
| Where in the World Wednesday – pick countries in Africa | (Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23) | Equity & Inclusivity Club | Entire school community |
| Weekly Announcements Recognizing Black Excellence | Every Friday (Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25) | Equity & Inclusivity Club | Entire school community |
| Play music in the morning from black artists (explain who the artists are, genre, where it originated from) | (Feb. 7, 14, 21 ,28) | Student Council / Equity & Inclusivity Club | Entire school community |
| Spotlight on Black LGBTQ+ prominent figures | TBD | BE YOU LOVE YOU Club | Entire school community |
| “Imagining Future” Black History Month Kickoff celebration | Feb 2 @ 7pm-8:30 pm | Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton | Entire school community |
| Virtual Author Visit Lawrence Hill | Feb 10 @ 10:30 am | Milton Public Library, HCDSB, CCAH | Entire school community |
| Oakville Early Black History installation (poster display) | Month of February | Canadian Caribbean Association of Halton https://www.ccah.ca/bhm2022.html https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/ccah-black-history-month-kickoff-tickets-244093408957 | Entire school community – on display in atrium |
| Lives of Black Saints | Month of February | Display on Second Floor near Chapel by the Religion department at CCCSS | Entire school community – on display near chapel |
| Researching contributions of Black Scientists/Inventors | Month of February and beyond | Will be determined by Science dept which grade would be best suited to this activity | Science classes |
| Significant Black Canadians in History | Month of February | Grade 10 History classes will do an activity on significant Black Canadians in history using primary sources | History classes – grade 10 |
| 12 Bar Blues | Month of February | Music classes will be learning about the 12-Bar Blues genre of music. | Music classes |
| Culturally Relevant and Responsive Literature Circles | Ongoing | Ongoing literature circles with a focus on CRRP | English department |
| Interactive Display and Social Media Awareness | Month of February and ongoing | Black History Month interactive display highlighting Black authors on social media and in our Library space. | Library |