Black History Month is a time to reflect on and celebrate the contributions and experiences of Black individuals both in the present and throughout history. It’s a time to recognize the barriers they have faced and continue to face, while also celebrating their resilience, achievements, and rich cultural heritage. While we understand that inclusivity, diversity, and equality are ongoing priorities within our communities, February is a month that serves as a poignant reminder to actively engage in learning and advocating for these values.

This year, Sudbury Catholic Schools took meaningful strides to commemorate Black History Month through a series of enlightening events, dynamic presentations, and engaging activities. From welcoming inspiring guest speakers to establishing new clubs and orchestrating enriching cultural celebrations, these initiatives were designed to foster understanding, unity, and profound appreciation for the depth and significance of Black history and culture. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated team and our valued partners for their unwavering commitment to fostering enriching experiences across all Sudbury Catholic School communities. Your dedication and contributions are invaluable, and we deeply appreciate all that you do.

St. Charles College

In honour of Black Heritage Month, St. Charles College (SCC) hosted Rico Phillips, the Director of Cultural Diversity and Inclusion for the OHL, who delivered a significant message from the Carnegie Initiative. Students from St. Charles College, including members of the school’s Black Student Association, and Holy Trinity, joined forces with players from the Sudbury Wolves to welcome Phillips for a special event addressing Black History in sports. During the event, students watched a film highlighting the struggle against systemic racism in hockey, followed by a panel discussion focusing on racism and inclusion in sports. This event was an opportunity for students to engage in discussions about supporting one another and promoting inclusivity for all.

“SCC is a big school, but we recognized that all our students could really benefit from getting the message conveyed by Rico. As the event only allowed for 200 participants, we strategically prioritized selecting representatives from various groups, clubs, and extracurricular activities, including the hockey teams to serve as ambassadors that could help disseminate Rico’s powerful message across our entire student body.” – Kristy Hebert, SCC Grade 12 Health Teacher 

Kemi Toki, President of St. Charles College’s Black Student Association, played a special role in organizing Black Heritage initiatives at the school throughout February. Reflecting on the event, Toki emphasized its significance in initiating conversations during Black History Month. She noted that addressing racism and inclusion in sports not only enhances the sporting environment but also contributes to cultural improvement.

“Sports play a significant role in our society. By shining a light on racism and inclusion in sports, we’re not just improving sports but also our culture and the attitudes we have towards one another. Having these conversations at our school allows us to understand barriers that happen in places that are not always talked about. By having these conversations, we understand that we need to create a more informed culture where everyone is treated equally, and we can empower individuals to pursue their passions without fear of prejudice.”

As Kemi noted, discussing these topics in school provides insight into the importance of promoting diversity and fostering an environment where everyone, regardless of race, feels equally valued and empowered to pursue opportunities without prejudice.

“Sudbury has grown more diverse in the past decade, and it was important to us to begin our event by emphasizing the value of celebrating this diversity.” Say’s SCC Grade 10 Guidance Teacher, Jennifer Humphrey. “The school is very proud of Kemi, who initiated the Black Student Association this year and has led various campaigns for Black History Month. Throughout the month, she prepared weekly announcements on notable Black Canadians and their achievements, as well as social media posts showcasing cultural attire, which aimed to spotlight our community’s richness in diversity. She is an amazing young woman.”

The success of this event was greatly attributed thanks to the unwavering dedication of Kristy Hebert, Jennifer Freelandt-Humphrey, and Aaron Barry. Their commitment and hard work ensured the event’s smooth execution and profound impact. Additionally, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Kemi Toki and the members of the Black Student Association at SCC for their exceptional enthusiasm and creativity, which not only enriched Black Heritage Month but will also leave a lasting legacy within their school community. On behalf of the Sudbury Catholic District School Board, we extend our warmest congratulations for a job exceptionally well done!

Many Sudbury Catholic Elementary Schools, orchestrated a wonderful celebration for Black History Month, culminating in a captivating musical presentation by the talented performer and speaker Errol Lee and his sons. This event provided a captivating journey through the narratives, melodies, and rhythms that have shaped the Black experience. Through his music, attendees were able to gain a deeper understanding about black heritage and this importance of championing inclusivity within society.

Elementary schools expressed profound gratitude to Errol Lee and his sons for their amazing performance which provided a symphony of storytelling, shedding light on the triumphs, struggles, and contributions of the Black community. Their dedication to preserving and sharing Black history through music served as a beacon of inspiration, fostering a deeper sense of community and understanding among both students and staff.

St. Albert Learning Centre

St. Albert honoured Black History Month on Feb. 24 by planning an exciting celebration for students taking part in the international heritage and language program. The event fostered unity, and allowed students to learn about Yoruba culture, traditions and customs. The occasion was made more special by the presence of esteemed guest speakers who shared their insights and experiences to attendees.

• Among the speakers were Dr. Remi Ogundimu, a renowned pediatrician whose dedication to healthcare and community service has earned her widespread recognition. Dr. Ogundimu shared her inspiring journey into medicine, recounting tales of perseverance and compassion that have defined her illustrious career. As a prominent figure within the medical community, her advocacy for addressing health disparities and promoting multiculturalism resonated deeply with our students.

• Elder Samuel Eleko captivated the audience with enthralling tales from Yoruba folklore, shedding light on the profound significance of animals in their storytelling tradition. His narratives not only entertained but also provided invaluable insights into the cultural heritage of the Yoruba people, fostering a deeper appreciation among our students.

• Dr. Funso Adebite, a retired brain surgeon, imparted wisdom on the importance of humility and respect, transcending cultural boundaries. His emphasis on fostering inclusivity and understanding resonated strongly with our diverse student body, underscoring the universal values that unite us all.

In addition to the guest speakers, the celebration at St. Albert featured recognition of three local entrepreneurs and their inspiring stories. This included:

In the spirit of this cultural exchange, our Italian Heritage and Language students expressed their gratitude to our Yoruba guests with a heartfelt “grazie,” met with warm reciprocation as our Yoruba guests responded with “prego.” This exchange symbolized the beauty of unity amidst diversity, encapsulating the essence of our celebration. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our guests for their invaluable contributions in making this celebration a truly memorable and meaningful one.

Holy Cross

As part of their learning during Black History Month, students in Ms. Lalonde’s Kindergarten class painted a picture of their dream world, “Where love will bless the earth and peace its paths adorn”. This activity was inspired by the American poet, social activist, novelist, playwright, and columnist Langston Hughes’s poem, “I Dream a World”.

Mrs. Whalen’s Grade 3/4 class at Holy Cross created sculptures using only black LEGO. Their artwork was inspired by Ekow Nimako, a Ghanaian Canadian artist known for his LEGO sculptures. In 2012, Nimako began making LEGO sculptures, and his career took off two years later when he received a grant to exhibit his work in Canada during Black History Month. In a video viewed by the class, Nimako explained that representation is always an issue in media and entertainment, which inspired him to use all black LEGO in his sculptures. After discussing Nimako’s fascinating sculptures and the reasoning behind his use of all black LEGO, the students were tasked with creating something unique using only black LEGO. They enjoyed the process and were proud of their creations.

St. John

Throughout the month, Mrs. Vaillancourt’s students delved into the life and legacy of civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. In their exploration, they closely examined King’s powerful speeches, including his renowned “I Have a Dream” address. Drawing inspiration from King’s words, the students embarked on a creative journey to craft their own versions of the iconic speech.

The culmination of their efforts was proudly displayed on a bulletin board in the school hallway, allowing fellow students and faculty members to admire their work. Through their speeches, the young learners eloquently conveyed their dreams for a more just and inclusive society, echoing King’s call for equality and unity.

By immersing themselves in the study of Martin Luther King Jr. and actively participating in the creation of their own “I Have a Dream” speeches, Mrs. Vaillancourt’s class not only celebrated Black History Month but also embraced the timeless message of hope and empowerment championed by King himself. Such initiatives serve as poignant reminders of the importance of recognizing and honouring the diverse voices and experiences that shape our collective history.

Marymount Academy

During Black History Month, Marymount Academy launched Marymount Melanin, a club dedicated to bringing together students of different heritages and backgrounds to cultivate unity and pride of uniqueness amongst their school community. Led by educator Dominica Frometa, the club is ongoing and welcomes all who wish to join.

Conclusion:

These activities not only celebrate Black history and culture but also promote compassion, understanding, and inclusivity among students and community members. By highlighting the achievements and experiences of Black individuals, these events contribute to a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive society. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated team and our valued partners for their unwavering commitment to fostering these enriching experiences at Sudbury Catholic Schools. Your dedication and contributions are invaluable, and we deeply appreciate all that you do.