Black History Month

Black History Month

Every February is recognized as Black History Month in Canada. It’s a time to celebrate Black culture and history and applaud the achievements and significant contributions Black Canadians have made to build Canada and to make this country the diverse, welcoming and strong nation it is today. Every February, Canadians are invited to participate in learning opportunities, festivities, and events that honour the legacy of Black Canadians, past and present.

While we recognize that indeed the realities of people of African descent must be reflected in school experiences all year long, the month of February provides a special time for focused reflection on the lived experiences of Black people, past and present.

The OCDSB acknowledges the historic and contemporary role of schools in Canada in perpetuating myths, doctrines, false science, and narratives that have resulted in strategies and behaviours which have compromised how children of African descent feel, think, grow, and actualize their potential, promise and purpose in the world.

In May 2018, the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board formally adopted and committed to the intent of the UN Decade for People of African Descent. Two of the commitments are:

  1. Reduce barriers to learning to improve equity of access and opportunity for students of African descent.
  2. Intentionally adopt practices to create a safe and caring learning environment that respects, promotes, and protects the human rights of children of African descent.

Beyond embedding Black history in our everyday curriculum, OCDSB schools are planning events throughout the month of February. 

The OCDSB is committed to promoting equity and inclusion in every one of our schools and workplaces, and we believe that honouring and sharing the rich cultural diversity within all of our schools and communities will help to dispel harmful biases and enlighten our understanding of each other. We encourage every member of the OCDSB to take part in celebrating Black history, culture, and achievements, this month and throughout the year.

Several initiatives support us in working towards our commitments:

  • Black Excellence Day: Schools hosted Black excellence events and participated in learning activities to celebrate the joys, narratives, accomplishments and contributions of Black Canadians past and present.
  • Black Graduation Program: The Black Graduation Program is a support program developed to disrupt barriers to achievement for Black students by providing culturally relevant and responsive support and services to assist Black students and their families.  
  • Black Student Associations: To support belonging, voice and engagement,  there are Black Student Associations running in most secondary schools.  
The OCDSB is committed to promoting equity and inclusion in every one of our schools and workplaces, and we believe that honouring and sharing the rich cultural diversity within all of our schools and communities will help to dispel harmful biases and enlighten our understanding of each other. We encourage every member of the OCDSB to take part in celebrating Black history, culture, and achievements, this month and throughout the year.
Celebrating Black Excellence

To celebrate Black History Month, Black leaders in the OCDSB share quotes that inspired them
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