Youth and staff from the Burnaby School District are among the organizers and speakers of the second annual Black Excellence Day, which is being hosted by the District and put on by the Ninandotoo Society – the organization that founded the day.
The event is taking place on Friday, January 13 at Byrne Creek Community School with thousands from school districts throughout BC signed up to join virtually. At least 20 school districts and five independent schools will be a part of it, with more than 30,000 attendees anticipated, more than doubling last year’s attendance.
The goal of the day is to raise awareness, uplift and bring hope to not only Black youth, but all racialized and non-racialized youth. Designed as a learning opportunity and celebration of Black achievements, stories, art, people, joy, love, and history, the timing of the event was scheduled to coincide with the last weekday before the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Participants will hear from several speakers including many presenters and performers, ranging from politicians and community organizers to athletes and artists. A student from Byrne Creek is among the youth who are sharing their own lived experiences, what Black Excellence means to them, and words of wisdom.
Events, such as this, are powerful opportunities for learning, building awareness and advocating for change. The District is continuing its broader work and journey to support an equitable, diverse and inclusive environment for all.
Learn more about Black Excellence Day and see a full list of presenters here.
See highlights from the event and celebration here.
Read the news coverage in the media:
High school students gather for Black Excellence Day – CityNews, January 15, 2023
Burnaby Black Excellence Day – CityNews, January 14, 2023
Celebrating contributions of Black Canadians – CBC TV News, January 13, 2023
B.C. students celebrate 2nd annual Black Excellence Day – CBC News, January 13, 2023
Read about awareness-building efforts, opportunities to celebrate culture and diversity, as well as anti-racism work happening in Burnaby Schools:
Learning Through Indigenous Teachings and Honouring Culture
Celebrating Black Excellence Beyond Black History Month – October 2022
Next Steps Coming: Action on Racism – September 2022
Anti-Racism Lead Nominated for Premier’s Award for Work in District – September 2022
Burnaby students drum for National Indigenous Peoples Day – Burnaby Now, June 2022
Burnaby to install first-ever reconciliation crosswalk – Vancouver Sun, June 2022
Students design reconciliation crosswalk in Burnaby – Global TV, June 2022
Raising Diverse Student Voices and Opportunities – May 2022
Honouring Community Traditions and Practices – May 2022
Securing Black Futures Brings High Schoolers to UBC – The Tyee, May 2022
How more B.C. schools are supporting Muslim students during Ramadan – CBC News, April 2022
Burnaby school club raises Black student voices – Burnaby Now, April 2022
Honouring and Learning About Black History – February 2022
Paving the path forward for Black history curriculum in BC – Burnaby Beacon, February 2022
Black Excellence Day, CBC TV News, January 2022
District Hosting Black Excellence Day for Thousands – January 2022
Reports of Racism in Burnaby Schools Bring Trustees to Tears – Burnaby Now, December 2021
Video of Bhangra dancing Burnaby kindergarteners goes viral-ish – Burnaby Now, November 2021
Art project to honour Indigenous culture – Burnaby Beacon, November 2021
Parents Asked for Input on Racism in Burnaby Schools – Burnaby Now, May 2021
Dismantling Racism: Invitation to Engagement Process – May 2021
Asian Heritage Month: Honouring, Celebrating and Taking Action – May 2021
Opinion: Burnaby has come together to battle anti-Asian racism – Burnaby Now, May 2021
Burnaby school board approves anti-racism engagement process – Burnaby Now, April 2021
Black History Month: Celebrating & Learning – February 2021
Supporting Black Shirt Day – January 2021
Anti-racism work at Burnaby schools starts at the top – Burnaby Now, October 2020
Continuing Our Journey: Supporting Anti-Racism – October 2020
Burnaby school district to develop anti-racism action plan – Burnaby Now, June 2020
Action on Racism: Burnaby Board of Education – June 2020
Burnaby school takes ‘reconciliaction’ with Indigenous welcome carving – Burnaby Now, November 2019
Burnaby museum works to undo erasure of local Indigenous history – Burnaby Now, November 2019
Celebrating Black History Month in Burnaby Schools – February 2019
Updated January 16, 2023