Honouring Stories and Building Towards A Better Future: Black History Month

February marks the celebration and recognition of Black History Month in Canada, an observance that came to be in 1995, yet the influence of Black Canadians in the country can be traced back centuries. Greenwood’s Inclusion, Belonging and Pluralism Committee focused on the stories of Black Canadians for the school’s month-long programming, highlighting the importance of those who helped to shape Canada’s identity and those that continue to shape their own stories in the face of modern challenges. 

At the start of the month, the school was introduced to Rosemary Sadlier, the former president of the Ontario Black History Society and key contributor in making Black History Month a nation-wide observance. Rosemary spoke about the challenges and work required to achieve her goal, as well as the various historical figures that are now celebrated in Canadian history.

The themes of Rosemary’s assembly could be felt and found throughout the school for the remainder of the month. A book display featuring novels written by Black authors was set up in the Learning Commons while the songs of Black musicians throughout the decades played each morning on the school’s speakers. Every Tuesday, students from the IBP Committee shared snacks and food from across the Black diaspora, with the students also creating infographics for each food item. A showing of the film Hidden Figures was organized by the Girl Up club while students from the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) Affinity Group hosted a special lunch session to celebrate the month.

Activities rounded out with two guest speaker presentations, both focused on creativity and how personal stories shape one’s identity. Grade 9 to 12 students got to hear from Aaron Manswell, a Toronto-based composer that blends gospel, R&B, classical and hip-hop into his distinct work. Keosha Love, a spoken word artist and writer, spoke with the Grade 7s and 8s about how her artistry allowed her to express her identity as a woman of colour. 

The line-up of activities wouldn’t have been possible without the work and effort of the IBP Committee, in collaboration with the BIPOC Affinity Group. With this month’s theme, the committee says they wanted to express that everyone’s history, culture and identity have a part to play in shaping the school’s story. 

“Exploring the history of an individual or large community has the potential to inform innovation and creativity, and allows for communities to build upon the past to create a better future,” said Mary Gauthier, Executive Director, Greenwood Centre for Teaching, Learning & Research.

Thank you to Alishah Virji, Coordinator of Inclusion, Belonging and Pluralism, guest speakers, parents/guardians and staff for organizing the activities for this year’s Black History Month!