January 19th is Black Excellence Day at the OCDSB

January 19th is Black Excellence Day at the OCDSB
Posted on 01/12/2023
January 19th is Black Excellence Day at the OCDSBThursday, January 19th is Black Excellence Day at the OCDSB. Black Excellence Day was first organized and recognized by OCDSB students and staff in early 2022 and reminds us that, despite facing on-going systemic anti-Black racism, people of Black African descent continue to excel in various areas of life. This year, Black Excellence Day is being held just before Lincoln Alexander Day (Jan 21st), to honour and share information about Lincoln Alexander and other Black Canadians who have made significant contributions to our communities.

Black Excellence Day is an opportunity for us to come together to examine our roles in maintaining - or disrupting and addressing - systemic anti-Black racism and supporting and inspiring our students in feeling empowered to achieve their full potential. Students and staff are encouraged to participate in Black Excellence Day by wearing black on January 19th and including the voice, vision and contributions of people of Black African descent in their learning throughout the year.

Wearing black aims to shift historical associations with the word black e.g. black as evil, a black mark on your record etc., and create and foster rich, positive meanings of blackness. Those who use social media can post about the day by using the hashtag #OCDSBBlackExcellenceDay.

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