February is Black History Month. A variety of learning activities are taking place across the District this month and beyond. What follows are some examples of students exploring Black history and futures.
Alpha Secondary’s BIPOC Affinity Group is putting the finishing touches on a mural this month. Designed by the students to represent their voices and histories, the theme of the mural is past, present and future. In addition to celebrities and athletes whose work has influenced Black culture in their lifetimes, it includes people who have advocated for justice, such as Harriet Tubman. She was instrumental in the Underground Railroad – a secret network that helped people escape enslavement in the United States. Tubman helped move people into Ontario and later settled in Canada, herself.
Planning for the mural began late in the last school year, and the students began painting this fall. The mural also pays homage to Martin Luther King Jr’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, with the students saying, “We ARE the dream” as a way to show that history continues to live on through them and for future generations to come.
In celebration of Black excellence, this month the Affinity Group students also attended a Vancouver Symphony Orchestra event called Black Panther in Concert with conductor Anthony Parnther and Massamba Diop on the tama, an African drum.
Moscrop Secondary held a student forum for Black History Month. Canadian actor Omari Akil Newton spoke at the event. He has been doing school tours for nearly a decade, sharing the contributions of Black Canadians in our shared history.
Students at Brentwood Park Elementary have spent time learning about Black history, culture, innovations, and achievements. They’ve shared their learnings for others in the school to appreciate through displays.
At Kitchener Elementary, younger and older grades have explored Black leaders and the contributions they have made. The students’ learnings are exhibited on bulletin boards throughout the school. A Grade 1 class learned about Viola Desmond, a Canadian civil rights activist of Black Nova Scotian descent who challenged racial segregation. The students considered how she changed the world, and what difference their own actions could make.
Read about more opportunities to celebrate culture and diversity, as well as anti-racism work happening in Burnaby Schools:
Celebrating Lunar New Year and Sharing Culture – February 2024
Student Voice Elevated at District-led Black Excellence Day Event – January 2024
Learning Through Indigenous Teachings and Honouring Culture – Multiple Stories
Celebrating the Strengths in our Differences and Working to Dismantle Racism – December 2023
Students’ Post-Secondary Horizons Ignited in Black Futures Program – May 2023
Cultural Traditions and Practices Honoured – May 2023
Sharing Culture and Celebrating Expressions of Who We Are – March 2023
Celebrating and Reflecting During Black History Month – February 2023
Learning Through Indigenous Teachings and Honouring Culture
Students Presenting at Black Excellence Day Event for Thousands – January 2023
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
Raising Diverse Student Voices and Opportunities – May 2022
Honouring Community Traditions and Practices – May 2022
Honouring and Learning About Black History – February 2022
District Hosting Black Excellence Day for Thousands – January 2022
Dismantling Racism: Invitation to Engagement Process – May 2021
Asian Heritage Month: Honouring, Celebrating and Taking Action – May 2021
Black History Month: Celebrating & Learning – February 2021
Supporting Black Shirt Day – January 2021
Continuing Our Journey: Supporting Anti-Racism – October 2020
Action on Racism: Burnaby Board of Education – June 2020
Celebrating Black History Month in Burnaby Schools – February 2019
Posted February 2024