African Heritage Month at the TDSB – February 2023

During the month of February, the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) proudly recognizes African Heritage (Black History) Month. It is an occasion to celebrate the many achievements and contributions of peoples of African descent to Canada and the world. The chosen theme for 2022-2023 is Black Joy.

The first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament was the Honourable Jean Augustine, who introduced a motion to the House of Commons to recognize February as Black History Month. In December 1995, Canadians officially recognized February as Black History Month across our nation. At the TDSB, a motion to recognize African Heritage (Black History) Month was carried in January 2002 and reaffirmed again in January 2004. 

This year, the contributions of numerous inspiring Black individuals will be highlighted. As we move forward toward December 2023, which marks 28 years since the Honourable Jean Augustine introduced a motion to recognize February as Black History Month across the nation, let’s pause to applaud her. Since December 1995, we continue to build a strong and robust foundation for Black communities across the nation. This motion brought us the opportunity to further learn about African (Black) heritage and start a conversation that continues to flourish. 

The TDSB has proudly recognized and celebrated African (Black) History Month for 20 years. Today, Black students continue to be supported directly with the creation of the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement and the Africentric program at Leonard Braithwaite at Winston Churchill Collegiate Institute and Downsview Secondary School for secondary students. Please take a moment to review our powerpoint on African Heritage Month – February 2023 that highlights inspiring Black individuals.

We are excited about the continuation of the Black Student Alliance elementary and secondary student groups that increase student voice and build capacity in student leadership. We are also appreciative of the continued collaboration between the TDSB and the York University Black Law Students’ Association in providing support to the Know Your Worth initiatives like the Black “Secondary” Youth Empowerment Conference and the Know Your Worth: Educator’s Conference. Please refer to the above powerpoint for information regarding these opportunities. Follow us on Twitter @tdsbAfricanHM and Instagram @tdsb_african_hm, and attend our virtual launch event.