“If a race has no history, it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated.”
– Carter G. Woodson
There is no question that 2020 was an eye-opening year in terms of racism for so many of us. There is a clear need for more effective and widespread black history education and awareness with today’s youth in order to break negative stereotypes.
It was thanks to Theo Lagden’s impact project and her friend Thalia Urbani’s passion for awareness that led our Black History Education Campaign at WIC.
During the month of February, WIC students and staff celebrated the achievements of the many black historical figures who have helped shape and develop our country to become more equitable. Below are just some of the activities that took place in our visual arts, language arts, ERC (Ethics and Religious Culture), Science as well as Phys Ed classes!
- Overture With The Arts: Tracking Black Canada (virtual presentation – Canadian history, poetry and song);
- Kente Cloth Project – the homeroom classes of sec. 3 brought in a 15 x 15 cm piece of fabric with specific colors representing them;
- Virtual guided tours of black history;
- Posters of important black people who have made a difference in our world all over the school;
- Our wall of quotes representing resilience in our world
- Students will learn “stepping” dance movements;
- Secondary II students learned about the periodic table of Black History in Canada
- Secondary 1 students – Tar Beach in art (book and art project);
- Secondary 2 to 5 students – reading novels and poems by black authors and poets;
- Tiffany Callender did an Activism 101 workshop for our graduating students;
- Dr. Doug Paxton, introduced Grade 4 and 5 students on how to help us find our voice to make a difference;
- Maria Abegunde, shared with our young people from secondary 3-4-5 how to be of service to the world.
To use Malcolm X’s words;
“Do not be in such a rush to condemn someone who doesn’t act like you or think like you. There was a time when you didn’t know what you know today.”
Let’s continue to educate and embrace our differences. We still have a lot to learn. Wanting to learn and wanting to do better will help our world to become better for all mankind