SD42 students honoured the legacy of Black Canadians with a variety of events and activities as part of February’s Black History Month.
At Davie Jones Elementary (DJE), students learned about the accomplishments and contributions Black people have made to Canada during a Black Excellence Walk at Westview Secondary.
“They used posters and worksheets created by teachers at Westview,” said Cathryn Blanco, principal of DJE. “The students walked through the school and learned about the achievements of Canadians with African heritage.”
Students at DJE also learned about the symbolism behind African masks and the influence they have had on the works of artists like Pablo Picasso and Andre Derain.
At Yennadon Elementary, Grade 3 students read Meet Viola Desmond by Elizabeth MacLeod, learning about Desmond’s fight for racial equality in Canada.
“Students learned that Viola Desmond is now on the $10 bill,” said Yennadon principal Lisa Lawrance. “Students were tasked to design a flag, monument, stamp, or other item to people about her.”
Kanaka Creek Elementary students kicked off Black History Month with an assembly, where students read We All Belong by Alex and Nathalie Goss. A display was also setup to learn about more prominent civil rights activists in the school library.
At Alexander Robinson, Whonnock, and Hammond elementary schools, students learned about Desmond and other civil rights activists, like Ruby Bridges.