Black Excellence Celebrated At Toronto Gala

Several Greenwood staff, students and parents recently attended the BlackNorth Initiative’s annual Black Excellence Gala.

Founded in 2020 by Dr. Wes Hall, the BlackNorth Initiative aims to "address and dismantle the systemic barriers faced by Black Canadians."

BlackNorth Initiative invited organizations across Canada to pledge to foster a Canada where systemic anti-Black racism does not exist, and to create opportunities for Black Canadians to thrive. Greenwood signed the pledge in 2020. 

This year’s Black Excellence gala celebrated the organization’s 5th anniversary.

Jheanell Lumsden, Greenwood teacher and staff lead of the school’s BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) Affinity Group, was pleased to attend the gala.

“I arrived home from Outdoor Education that afternoon and quickly got ready and went straight downtown,” she recalled. “I felt proud to be there and supported, too.”

Ms. Lumsden said it was nice to see students and their parents in a different environment, hear more about BlackNorth Initiative, and celebrate achievements of Black Canadians through a series of awards handed out throughout the night.

“It was a nice way to develop community,” she added. “It also felt promising to hear what organizations are doing in support of the BlackNorth pledge.”

Solomon Martin-Rueter ‘30 attended with his parents. He said it was unique and interesting to be at the gala event.

“I’ve not been to something like that before,” he said. “I really liked the version of the national anthem that was performed, and it was interesting to learn about businesses and how they are making changes to support diversity.”

Solomon also enjoyed the performances, including Canadian singer Jully Black and others.

“It was really inspiring to see what people can achieve.”