DCDSB Celebrates 30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance and Tomorrow’s Visionaries

Throughout DCDSB schools, students are involved in numerous learning opportunities and events. Many schools invite guest speakers, panelists, and artists to share their knowledge and culture with the DCDSB community.

Recent examples of system-wide initiatives to support and celebrate Black Joy include a Career Panel for Black-Identifying Students hosted in partnership with Intergenerational Hub and e-Camp Mentoring. In addition, the DCDSB has been proud to host the Ubuntu Virtual Engagement Series for the past four years. Registration is now open for Grade 7 classes.

At DCDSB schools, Black Student Unions and other equity student groups meet throughout the year to centre student voices, seek opportunities to celebrate their culture and heritage, and develop initiatives and programs for Black and other equity-deserving populations. All secondary schools at the Durham Catholic School Board have a Black Student Union, along with select elementary schools.

Coach Advocates for Black Students (CABS) have established Black Student Groups across their assigned Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) secondary schools, working collaboratively to celebrate Black excellence and highlight postsecondary and career pathway opportunities throughout the year. Through this work, CABS support the implementation of programs, services, and targeted initiatives designed to address the needs of systemically underserved Black students and their families, with a strong focus on student well-being, identity affirmation, and academic success.

Throughout the school year, and especially during Black History Month, CABS groups engage students in meaningful activities such as cultural bake sales, guest speakers, student performances, and sharing the stories and contributions of notable Black Canadians through social media and school-wide announcements. These initiatives promote community, pride, and awareness while creating spaces where Black students feel seen, supported, and empowered.

As part of this ongoing commitment, CABS is proud to host an upcoming Durham Catholic District School Board tour on February 19 and 20, featuring Lesra Martin, a lawyer whose advocacy in justice, education, and youth empowerment has been life-changing for countless individuals. Mr. Martin's heartrending story has mesmerized and inspired millions through the major Hollywood feature “The Hurricane”, starring Denzel Washington. This tour marks Lesra Martin’s second-largest school engagement, and we are incredibly excited to welcome him to our schools for eight assemblies. This special event is led by CABS (Coach Advocates for Black Students) in association with several DCDSB secondary schools, including Monsignor Paul Dwyer Catholic High School, Father Leo J. Austin Catholic Secondary School, St. Mary Catholic Secondary School, All Saints Catholic Secondary School, and Archbishop Denis O’Connor Catholic High School. Mr. Martin’s visit will provide students with a powerful opportunity to engage with his story of resilience, advocacy, personal transformation, and the importance of education, further reinforcing CABS’ mission to inspire Black students to envision and pursue limitless possibilities for their future.

DCDSB has focused on building capacity in educators to dismantle anti-Black racism and discrimination, and to support Black excellence. Educators have received professional development sessions and have access to resources and materials for use in the classroom. All DCDSB secondary schools offer the Grade 12 course: Deconstructing Anti-Black Racism (IDC4U). The course will run each school year if enough students at each secondary school opt to register for it. This university-level course is available to current Grade 10 and Grade 11 students when course selection opens in January/February. It is a counter-space of celebration that centres Black experience, and promotes unity, allyship, and participatory action, by allowing all students to learn about the theories, histories, and stories of Black resilience and advocacy. To learn more about this course, please speak with your secondary school guidance department.

The Durham Catholic District School Board is committed to creating caring, inclusive, and safe environments where every student and staff member can thrive. Through its Human Rights and Equity (HRE) learning series, the Board provides professional development guided by the Ontario Human Rights Code and Inspire 2026 strategic plan. These sessions build capacity to identify and address racism and discrimination, strengthen complaint resolution practices, and foster partnerships that promote dignity and respect for all.

Training is offered to staff across all roles - administrators, corporate services, academic teams, and operations - through interactive workshops, keynote presentations, and case-based learning. Topics include bias awareness, culturally responsive leadership, gender identity and disability rights, anti-Black racism, and fair investigation practices. With strong participation and measurable impact, these initiatives are continuously refined to meet evolving needs, ensuring equity and inclusion remain embedded in everyday practice across schools and departments.

Resources to support staff professional development and embedding the principles of equity into the classroom are available for all DCDSB staff on the intranet.

We encourage everyone to participate, learn, and engage in meaningful conversations during Black History Month and throughout the year. By working together, we can promote understanding, respect, and equality for all.