Embracing Our Futures Through Knowledge, Unity and Love; Peel District School Board celebrates Black History Month

BY PAUL JUNOR

This February, Peel District School Board (PDSB) proudly embraces the theme, “From Ancestry to Destiny: Embracing Our Futures through Knowledge, Unity, and Love.” Inspired by Director of Education Rashmi Swarup’s, this theme calls us to reclaim and honour ancestral wisdom as a foundation for liberation and self-determination. Throughout the month, students, staff, and families deepened their understanding of Black history and celebrated the: brilliance, creativity, and contributions of Black communities across Canada and the world, both past and present.

Rooted in the African principle of Sankofa, this theme encourages looking back to move forward. By preserving and sharing ancestral stories, we honour the wisdom of the past while fostering identity and purpose. As part of We Rise Together 2.0: Black Student Success Strategy, all PDSB schools must engage in meaningful activities ensuring that Black history and excellence remains integral to the curriculum and regular learning experiences. The Black History Month website for educators and support staff serves as a wealth of materials and resources to support student learning.

““Rooted in the African principle of Sankofa, this theme encourages looking back to move forward.””

The Ukweli Knowledge Quest Challenge returned for the second time this year, inviting students in Grades 3-8 to explore the impact of: African, Black, and Afro-Caribbean people across the world. The Ukweli Knowledge Quest Calendar was made available to all schools and served as a vital resource, providing daily opportunities for classes to engage with: stories, articles and videos that affirm Black identity and legacy.

Additionally, the PDSB Centre of Black Excellence led a wide range of in-person, community-centred learning experiences, bridging ancestral knowledge along with future knowledge and innovation. In collaboration with the University of Waterloo, students engaged in STEM learning experiences and participated in a ChangeMakers Day panel exploring the role of ancestral knowledge in innovation.

Families were invited to evening events such as Oware Night, where participants learned the centuries-old West African abstract math-based board game, and an Early Years workshop designed to empower families of Black families’ children to assist with their transition to kindergarten. These initiatives serve to enhance engagement with families, affirm students’ identities, and celebrate the legacies of Black communities.

Across PDSB Black History Month celebrations in schools included: assemblies, guest speakers, performances, and student-led conferences to amplify Black voices and narratives. Schools also engaged with local Black-owned businesses through school-based markets, fostering economic empowerment and community connection.

Black history in PDSB continues to be more than celebrations, and school engagements. They now include carefully designed learning opportunities for all students that are encouraged to take place in schools and classrooms not only in February, but all year round.