The voices of students are at the centre of an event hosted and led by the Burnaby School District that will celebrate Black Excellence with thousands of people from across BC.
The day is sponsored by and co-planned with the Ninandotoo Society. It’s designed to bring people together to honour Black achievements, stories, art, people, joy, love, and history. Students helped plan the learning event and have submitted a record number of video presentations this year.
Burnaby Board of Education Chair, Bill Brassington:
I’m especially proud that students have stepped forward to share their voices to inspire change. We’re grateful to so many, as we walk alongside the entire Burnaby Schools community, whose diverse voices are helping to shape a better path forward.”
Participants will hear from several speakers, ranging from politicians and community organizers to athletes and artists. Tychon Carter-Newman, reality TV celebrity and actor, will emcee.
Grade 11 Byrne Creek Community School student Farhiya Dahir is one of the students sharing a video address of her own lived experiences and what Black Excellence means to her.
“For me, Black Excellence means a high achievement done by a Black individual. Due to underrepresentation, I often feel like I don’t fit into certain standards, but when I see people who look like me and achieve so much it inspires me to work harder.”
Grade 12 student Ashton Uwimiliana from Burnaby Central Secondary is also speaking via video on the day. He emphasized the importance of community.
“Nowadays, moving forward, in school we start to come together and are starting to be surrounded by like-minded people like [our school’s Black Excellence or] Bex Club. There’s only one way to go and it’s up from here.”
The event is being held in person on January 15 at Byrne Creek Community School with tens of thousands of students, teachers, trustees, and district leaders from 16 school districts joining virtually from around the province.
Chair Brassington on the significance of holding the event on Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday:
“Across the world, his moving messages of love, justice, and joy are still shared as a beacon of light. Amplifying powerful voices, such as at this event, supports change for a more inclusive society.”
The Burnaby School 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.
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 – 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
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 January 11, 2024