Black History Month – February 2024

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Black History Month – February 2024

Today marks the beginning of an important month of reflection and celebration, as February ushers in Black History Month and African Heritage Month across Canada.

And it is remarkable to think that only 29 years ago, Jean Augustine – Canada’s first Black women member of Parliament – introduced a motion that was unanimously passed by the House of Commons recognizing February as Black History Month nation-wide.

The dedication, resilience and persistence it must have taken to garner such a historic outcome is a shining example of Black Leadership and Excellence in action.

How fitting we reflect on the historical magnitude that Jean Augustine’s leadership had on the Canadian landscape, when this year’s annual theme is:

“Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; A Future to Build.”

HWDSB schools, learning and workspaces are filled with fantastic examples of Black Excellence and Flourishing. From leaders to learners, families and communities, we are proud that HWDSB is home to so many outstanding contributors. All the work that we do supports students and the message, “Be You. Be Excellent.“

We recognize and deeply value the many ways that HWDSB’s Black staff, students and community members enrich our learning and working environments by sharing their unique gifts, perspectives and lived experiences.

By shining a light on Black Excellence that exists in our classrooms, learning and workspaces, we uplift the voices of others whose talents, capabilities and perspectives have been historically underrepresented, celebrated or acknowledged. Together, we move forward towards a richer, more vibrant and inclusive environment because of the many outstanding contributions from HWDSB’s Black community.

By committing to HWDSB’s Vision of Growing Together and building meaningful relationships with our staff, families and communities, we work to create an educational environment that fosters diversity and offers equitable educational opportunities to all.

Ensuring that we create and maintain an inclusive environment is critical because we know that education has not always been a welcoming or safe space for people of African descent. And that is why HWDSB continues to take deliberate steps to combat Anti-Black Racism.

This year, as a reflection of Black History Month and Black Heritage Month, HWDSB students and staff are engaging in various activities that honour the accomplishments of people of African heritage, appreciate Black culture and the showcase the many contributions Black Canadians have made throughout history. We encourage all schools to participate in celebrating this important Month.

Hamilton Black History Council has partnered with City of Hamilton and Black-led organizations throughout the city to spotlight 17 Black Hamiltonians who have left lasting impact on their communities.

But we know that true Anti-Black racism work does not begin and end in February. It is evident that Anti-Black racism still exists, and we are committed to non-performative gestures and promoting equity and inclusion in all schools and workplaces, this month and every month.

Authentic allyship requires both individual and collective efforts, where students and staff engage in ongoing learning and unlearning related to Black History, Black Heritage, and Black Excellence in Canada.

That is why this year, HWDSB staff facilitated learning sessions on Anti-Black racism, supported student voice advisory committees, and collaborated on initiatives alongside community partners.

Doing this work together, continues to build the much-needed skills, tools and self-awareness required to continue to uphold the commitments HWDSB has made to students, staff and families in our existing Anti-Black Racism Policy and Human Rights Policy. Each of these important elements will help eliminate harmful biases and aid our understanding of each other. At HWDSB, it is essential that our environments are rooted in our values – Compassion, Dignity, Trust and Joy – free of Anti-Black racism, and the human rights of Black students and staff are always protected.

The steps we all take forward create lasting systemic change for our students, staff, families, and communities. So let us all use this month as an opportunity to further commit to education and action that will end anti-Black racism and support Black inclusion for today, tomorrow and always.

In celebration of Black Excellence and Brilliance,

Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini Paul Denomme
Director of Education Superintendent, Equity, Mental Health and Well-Being

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Updated on Thursday, February 01, 2024.

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