Celebrating Black History Across the UCDSB

Brockville – Throughout February, schools across the Upper Canada District School Board (UCDSB) marked Black History Month with a variety of activities designed to deepen understanding of Black communities, history, culture, and contributions.

Across classrooms, students engaged in meaningful learning through reading, research projects, guest speakers, field trips, multimedia resources, and community connections, exploring stories of resilience, leadership, and impact.

Here are a few examples of how classrooms explored these themes.:

• Seaway District High School students were among the first to experience the new interactive Black History Program at Upper Canada Village, which covered important themes including slavery, integration and segregation, and the Underground Railway.
• St. Lawrence Secondary School welcomed two guest speakers: Senator Bernadette Clement and CTV reporter Kwabena Oduro, who spoke about their personal and professional journeys. Students also held DJ sessions in the cafeteria during lunch hour, organized by the school’s Black Student Association, to highlight some of their favourite Black artists.
• Pineview Public School and The Stewart School students created art inspired by artist Alma Thomas, whose work is celebrated for its joyful use of colour and its contribution to abstract art.
• Grade 2 students at Lombardy Public School learned about the bravery of Ruby Bridges, who, as a young child, showed remarkable courage and resilience by attending an all-white school during segregation. Students recreated her paper lunch bag and its contents, which sparked conversations about fairness, inclusion, and standing up for what’s right.
• Longue Sault Public School hosted a Black History Month Presentation Gallery Walk highlighting the achievements and legacies of individuals who have shaped our world.

These experiences reflect UCDSB’s ongoing commitment to fostering inclusive learning environments. While February offers a dedicated time to highlight Black History and excellence, the learning and conversations fostered this month will continue throughout the year.