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All across York Catholic, schools will be celebrating Black History Month with a variety of events, activities, and educational displays during the month of February.
Over the course of the next month, students will have many opportunities to immerse themselves in the rich history of African culture and also learn about the many contributions of African Canadians to our great country. Some of the upcoming events include:
Down to Earth Conservation Education will present, “Black History Month” and “Land and People of Kenya” in two separate assemblies for students in JK – Grade 4, and Grade 5 – 8 respectively. The younger students will journey with veteran African safari tour leader, Loretta, as she explores the land and people of Kenya. Students will learn about African culture and history, and also have an opportunity to play authentic African instruments, try on African clothing, use African cooking utensils, dance to African music and learn to speak Swahili. The older students will retrace African roots as they make the historic journey from the heart of Africa to the new world. Through dramatic arts, students will reflect upon the history, struggle and enduring spirit of Africans and their descendants.
Nadine Williams, an award-winning poet and author, will visit San Lorenzo Ruiz Catholic School to deliver a special Black History Month presentation for junior and intermediate students. Through storytelling, poetry and music, students will have an opportunity to engage in discussions about Black History Month.
St. Padre Pio school will welcome Nadine Williams, award-winning poet and author who will engage
students through storytelling and song. Each division of students: primary, junior and intermediate, will have a session with Nadine, where she will present age-appropriate material regarding black history.
The organization Hoza! will present “The Arab Spring”, a Djembe drumming performance to students and staff at Prince of Peace Catholic Elementary School. A lively presentation of African song, story, drumming and dance, it draws on recent world events to encourage students to speak out when power is being abused (bullying) and to explore the increasing use of technology for social change.
“Black History Month is not only an exciting opportunity for students to explore African culture and learn about the contributions of African and Caribbean Canadians to our collective history,” says Susan LaRosa, Director of Education. “But it also reinforces Gospel teachings about treating each other fairly, kindly and with love, which is central to our Catholic faith.”
Black History Month began in the United States as "Negro History Week" in February 1926, through the work of African American scholar Dr. Carter G. Woodson. His aim was to raise awareness and understanding in the school curriculum of the African experience. Through community activities, organizers of Black History Month events sought to present a more balanced and accurate picture of black history.
In the 1950’s, community organizations such as the Canadian Negro Women’s Association began to celebrate the history of local black communities, and in 1995, the government of Canada passed a unanimous motion to formally recognise Black History Month every February.
This year, the Government of Canada is recognizing the bicentennial anniversary of the War of 1812 and the contributions of black soldiers in the fight for Canada.
The Government of Canada’s 2012 Black History Month Poster
The Historica-Dominion Institute’s Black History in Canada: Education Guide