Black History Month


In recognition and celebration of Black History Month, and awareness year round of Black lives and futures, below are some event listings and resources (including some great reading lists) put together by Fern’s parent-run Equity and Inclusion Committee. 

To get in touch with us please email equitablefern@gmail.com. And save the date! May 17th 6:30p.m. Raising Anti-Racist Kids, a free online event for Fern parents facilitated by Rania El Mugammar. 

EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES 

CBC Kids: A brief history of the Black Lives Matter movement (short video) https://gem.cbc.ca/media/cbc-kids-news/season-1/episode-116/38e815a-012cef2b32e 

CBC Kids: White privilege, systemic racism explained (short video) https://gem.cbc.ca/media/cbc-kids-news/season-1/episode-123/38e815a-012d9e6dc7b 
Plus more CBC Kids Black History videos for kids here. 

NFB/ONF: Black Communities in Canada - a collection of films by Black filmmakers https://www.onf.ca/selection/nfb_celebrates_black_history_month/ 

ARTS AND CULTURE EVENTS

Hart House Black Futures (Feb.11-24) 
Many events including Feb. 24: Exploring Black and Indigenous Futurisms 

Kuumba: Harbourfront Centre’s Black History Month festival (Feb. 1-28) http://www.harbourfrontcentre.com/kuumba/ 

Toronto Black Film Festival (Feb. 10-21) 

Obsidian Theatre- 21 Black Futures plays (stream on CBC Gem; ongoing) https://www.cbc.ca/artsprojects/21blackfutures

RISE Edutainment various events, workshops and showcases 

Awakenings - City of Toronto/ Museums Heritage & Culture (short films; ongoing) https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/history-art-culture/museums/we-were-always-here/ 

Freedom Heights - A Song for Joshua Glover (short film; ongoing) Responses by musicians, the Raptors and more:

Jane Street Speaks- Aspire to Inspire (every Tuesday in February, featuring Black artists and mental health advocates) 

Call for Submissions- Black Portraitures https://www.blackportraitures.info/bp6/call-for-submissions/ 

BOOKLISTS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH

Children’s books to begin talking about anti-racism (ages 2-10) 

Books for children and youth about anti-blackness; books to help talk about race, racism and resistance; books by Black authors about Black history 

Canadian focused list of books for children, youth, parents and teachers

Toronto Public Library - Black History children’s reading list

 
University of Toronto Anti-Black Racism Reading List 

Popular posts from this blog

Fern Running Club

Image
Happy Monday Fern Falcons!  And Happy Earth Day.  We will have a running club, open to students of all ages, every Friday morning, from 8:30-9:00am, around the track.  Kindergarten students must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Children in other grades are welcome to drop in and join us, and then will be dismissed when regular yard duty begins at 9:00am.  This is a club, and not a team, there will be no tryouts, there will be no meet/competition. We will be running for ourselves and promoting movement, the joy of running, and healthy habits.  Feel free to join us. Our first running club date will be Friday, May 3rd.  Cheers,  Mrs. Heller and Madame Miya
Read more

Spring Fling 2024: Taylor's Version

Image
As we gear up for one of the neighbourhood’s most exciting and fun-filled events, we are delighted to announce the details for our school's biggest fundraiser, the Spring Fling! Get ready for a night of laughter, dancing, and community spirit.  Our 12 th  Annual  Spring Fling Fundraiser  will be held on Friday, May 24th, 2024, at St. Casimir’s, 156 Roncesvalles Avenue, beginning at 7:00 p.m. There’s something for everyone: fantastic food, a well-stocked bar, a great local DJ, some serious parent moves on the dance floor and a fabulous silent auction. In addition to having a great time, we will raise funds to support initiatives such as enhanced STEM and Arts education, bringing performances to the school, Grade 8 graduation, and more!     This year's theme is "Taylor's Version," so dust off your favourite “Era” and come dressed in whatever era suits you! From the country twang of "Fearless" to the angsty vibes of "Red," there's an era for e
Read more

Choir Performing at the Spring Concert

Image
Dear Families,  We are so happy to have such a large enthusiastic choir!   Fern's wonderful students in Choir have been practicing two songs for the Spring Concert on April 18th.  They are: The Best Day of my life and My Own Superhero. Here are some notes regarding the Spring Concert:  *We will be walking to Parkdale Collegiate for a run through after morning attendance on Thursday April the 18th at 9:20 am.  (Two primary of our classes will be on a field trip and choir members in those classes will not attend the run through. ) **Volunteers are very welcome to walk with the Choir to and from Parkdale Collegiate. (Meet at 9 am at Fern)   *We aim to be back by lunch, however sometimes runthroughs take a while. Therefore please pack snacks and water with your child for the day. We will eat lunch when we return.     * The evening of The concert, students are to be at Parkdale Collegiate for 6:00 PM . * Students in the concert are encouraged to wear all black.  *Caregiver/ Parent pick 
Read more