GUELPH – Students at Catholic high schools in Guelph recognized Black Heritage Month in a range of ways that were highlighted by student trustee Vivian Huynh during the Wellington Catholic District School Board meeting on March 4.
“At St. James [Catholic High School], the social justice committee said morning prayers that raised awareness about Black History Month during February,” Huynh said.
St. James students also attended Black Excellence presentations and special events to honour Black Heritage Month through film on Feb. 29.
The special events raised money to support future Black Heritage Month initiatives.
And at both St. James and Bishop Macdonell (BM)Catholic High School and music by Black artists was played over the announcements.
At BM influential stories were also shared through the announcements and through BM news broadcasts every day.
WCDSB art students recognized Black Heritage Month by writing short biographies of Black Canadian artists and why they were impactful,” Huynh added. “This was posted to the Arts Council Instagram which had many responses from several artists.”
WCDSB communications lead Ali Lupal said “Black History Month is an opportunity to elevate and celebrate Black Canadian contributions, experiences and culture within classrooms … with the most important aspect being to allow space and to center Black voices and contributions.
The emphasis at WCDSB though, Lupal noted, “is to integrate Black History Month teachings into the curriculum throughout the entire year.”
