The Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement Plans to unveil its new physical space on Monday, June 13th, 2022

BY PAUL JUNOR

It has been two years now since the Centre for Black Student Achievement has been formed, and it is the first of its kind in public education to focus on all aspects of education for Black students. According to the website: tdsb.on.ca, it is dedicated to improving the experiences and outcomes for Black students, and aims to be responsive to the voices of Black communities who contribute to advocate for systemic change.

It was just over a year ago on Tuesday, June 1^st, 2021, that there was the inaugural virtual launch of the Centre. On Monday, June 13^th, 2022, there will be an official virtual grand event to celebrate the unveiling of its new physical space. It will be moderated by Itah Sadu storyteller, author, and managing director of the former Different Booklist Cultural Centre: The People’s Residence, which has been renamed the Blackhurst Cultural Centre.

The well-known artist, creator of the LEGACY posters, and artist, Robert Small will be unveiling new artwork. As an Order of Canada recipient, Robert has been instrumental in the development of powerful Africentric images that capture the rich history, culture, stories, and success of African Canadians who have been recognized for their work.

Danilo Deluxo, award-winning Afroturist muralist, multidisciplinary artist, graphic designer, and cultural curator will showcase some of his outstanding and eclectic work.

There will be performances by CoCo Collective Multidisciplinary Integration artists who specialize in African and Caribbean arts. Students from the Africentric Alternative School will make a presentation and there will be reflections from many of the TDSB’s

Administrators. Remarks are expected to be given by Alexander Brown, Chair of the TDSB, as well as by Colleen Russel-Rawlins, Director of Education of the TDSB, and Karen Murray, who serves as Principal of the Centre for Excellence and was recently appointed as System Superintendent Equity, Anti-Racism, Anti-Oppression & Early Years, at TDSB.

There will be reflections by outstanding African-Canadian scholars such as: Dr. George Dei, Professor of Social Justice Education, OISE, University of Toronto, Dr. Carl James, Professor, Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community & Diaspora, York University, Dr. Njoki Wane, Professor and Chair of Social Justice Education, OISE, University of Toronto, and Dr. Nicole West-Burns, CEO of NWB Educational Equity Consulting.

There is no doubt that having a physical space for the Centre of Excellence for Black Students will undoubtedly go a long way toward fulfilling its mandates and visions. Current programs that are offered include Black Students in Business Collective, Black Girls’ Book Club, Black Students’ Adventures in Engineering, Black Student Leadership Courses, Black Student Success and Excellence (BSSE) Initiative, and Black Student Summer Leadership Program where students are paid for their contributions.

Information about the Centre can be found at:

Twitter: @tdsb.cebsa

Instagram:@tdsb_cebsa