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black history month

"Ours to Tell"

Start

Learning sessions

Session 01Thursday February 9

Session 12Tuesday February 28

Session 11Monday February 27

Session 10Friday February 24

Session 02Friday February 10

Session 09Thursday February 23

Session 08Wednesday February 22

Session 04Tuesday February 14

Session 06Thursday February 16

Session 07Tuesday February 21

Session 05Wednesday February 15

Session 03Monday February 13

Assembly

Taste of Black Culture

BeyondBlackHistoryMonth

1

Prayer, to observe the remembrance of prominent Balck people and important events

2

Video biography, of influential and inspiring Black people throughout history

3

Video of a contemporary Black trailblazer in Canada

4

Starting Thurs. Feb. 9, 2023 each homeroom teacher will facilitate the commemoration of Black History Month by choosing from a variety of audio, visual and interactive media that were curated to highlight the stories of the Black community. On the next slide, the teacher will be able to choose a set day and will then proceed to click on the "O Canada" and prayer for that date. The remainder of the available media are optional but we encourage all classes to dedicate time to this important endeavour.

How to navigate this resource

6

5

O Canada Preformed by various Black artisits

Equity Challenge An interactive component that challenges students to think about their biases, prejudices and stereotypes as we move towards becoming allies.

Dreams in VantaBlack Developed in a UK lab, the colour Vantablack is the darkest shade of black, so dark that when painted on an object it disappears into shadows; much like the voices of many Black youth living in Canada. These youth have found the power of their voice through poetry, allowing them to embrace the strength, history and honour of their identities. When they dream, they envision a world without injustice and see themselves as global citizens, agents of change, catalysts for a better society. These are not stories of adversity; they are tales of growth, learning, a conjuring of beautifully brilliant dreams.

Back to sessions page with dates

O Canada

O Canada for MLK Day 2021 - Martina Ortiz Luis

Prayer

Prayer for Black History MonthSpirit of Abundance, God of Grace, Mother of Hope,We pause now to remember those stories that are all around us,But so often passed over,Those stories that when told are shared becauseOf what someone is, not who they are.This month in our nation's characterIs Black History month.Help us to realize that Black history isAll our histories.May the day come when these storiesAre so wildly taught that no month needBe separately divided.We know this day will not come until we as a peopleMake different choices.We pray now for those new choices.May we come to see a day where the prison systemBecomes redemptive, not punitive.A day where the legal system learns to focus more squarely on the facts,And the not colors of our skin.A day where our schools are as well funded, as the needs demand.May our role models be allowed to excel when they thrive,And not be taken down for their rich heritage.We know this will require a shift in power.And this can be scary for some.Give those full of fear - hope.May we come to know grace,So that our hearts will not be hardened to the pain around us.There are so many beautiful stories needing to be told.And we need to get the chance to hear them.Widen our vision so that the history that is shared this month,And every month,Come to be known as our history too.We are most human when we see the humanity in others.

Prayer for Black History Month

Kathleen Kay Livingstone

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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?

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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?

+ info

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?

Thursday february 9, 2023

Historical Black Canadian

Contemporary Black Pioneer

Juliet Daniel - Cancer Researcher McMaster University

Dreams in VantaBlack

The Seed Cycle, by Ivy Black, follows a young girl who investigates how she, like a young sapling, can grow and blossom into her best self.

Who me? Biased? Understanding Implict Bias

Click on the following link Understanding Implicit Bias Once you are in the site please click on "launch" and then "continue as guest" and follow the directions. Please complete pages 1 - 6 and save pages 7 - 10 for tomorrow's class. You may complete this activity as a class or individually. Please note that your work will not be saved anywhere. This is primarily a reflective exercise to challenge the way you think.

O Canada

In Jennifer Kasiama’s wise I Spy, a young Jenn finds a bottle of skin lightening cream which takes her on a fantastical adventure, exploring colourism and its effect on self-confidence.

Prayer

Today we remember St. Moses who was born about 332 AD in Ethiopia. While St. Moses made some mistakes in his younger years, he had a conversion experience in which he heard and answered the call of God. As an ordained priest, he was a leader in his religious community and is known as a man of peace, having spent much of his ministry calling people to reconciliation and forgiveness by word and example! When Moses was 75, word came that a group of renegades planned to attack the community he was living in. The brothers wanted to defend themselves, but Moses forbade it. He told them to retreat, rather than take up weapons. He and seven others remained behind and greeted the invaders with open arms, but all eight were martyred. A modern interpretation honors St. Moses the Ethiopian or sometimes known as St. Moses the Strong, as an apostle of non-violence.

Today's prayer honours St. Moses the Ethiopian or sometimes known as St. Moses the Strong, as an apostle of non-violence.

Elijah McCoy was an African-Canadian mechanical engineer and inventor best known for his groundbreaking innovations

Friday February 10, 2023

Who me? Biased? Understanding Implict Bias

Dreams in VantaBlack

Continue where you left off yesterday!

Contemporary Black Pioneer

Historical Black Canadian

Jemison blasted into orbit aboard the space shuttle Endeavour, September 12, 1992. Now, founder and president of two technology companies, the space flight was just one of a series of accomplishments for her.

Developed by African Americans Jazz has been, from its very beginnings at the turn of the 20th century, a constantly evolving, expanding, changing music.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen. Compassionate God, we bow to the sacred in all creation. Thank-you for filling the world with beauty and wonder. May our minds seek truth with humility and openness. May our hearts forgive without limit. May our love for friend, enemy, and outcast be without measure. May our actions bear witness to the suffering of others. May our hands never harm a living being. May our steps stay on the journey of justice. May we listen to the poor without fear of the powerful. May our life's work be a passion for peace and nonviolence. May our soul rejoice in the present moment. May our imagination overcome despair with new possibility. And may we risk reputation, comfort, and security to bring this hope to all your children. St. Moses, pray for us! Amen. + In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Click on the following link Understanding Implicit Bias Once you are in the site please click on "launch" and then "continue as guest" and follow the directions. Yesterday you completed pages 1 - 6. Please skip to page 7 and complete the rest of the activity up to page 10. You may complete this activity as a class or individually. Please note that your work will not be saved anywhere. This is primarily a reflective exercise to challenge the way you think.

O Canada

O Canada (African Refix) - Tolazee and Rolakzee

Monday February 13, 2023

Contemporary Black Pioneer

Click here for more information on Frantz Voltaire’s life. Be sure to click on his image for a presentation on his influence and work.

Historical Black Canadian

A short 2:30 youtube video that will go over the life of Duke Ellington, a legendary jazz musician.

Prayer

A Prayer for MercyClick on the image above for an audio version of the prayer and "prayer" to read along.

Dreams in VantaBlack

In A Letter to My Son, young mother Laura Baptiste delivers a moving promise to her son, offering him the strength to face adversity, as well as her unconditional love.

Interactive Activity

Instructions

  1. After clicking the photo you should be brought to the wordle
  2. You can do this as a whole class or they can open it themselves and it can be a competition!
  3. You have 6 tries to guess the 8-letter word
  4. After giving a guess each letter will become a different colour
    1. Green: correct letter in the correct spot
    2. Yellow: correct letter in the wrong spot
    3. Grey: the letter is not in the word
Hint: the word can be found in the same place where books on Haiti can be found

click here for instructions on the wordle

Duke Ellington: Pianist, Conductor, Songwriter

Frantz Voltaire: Preserving Afro-Caribbean culture

A Letter to My Son by Laura Baptiste

Test your knowledge with a wordle!

tuesday February 14, 2023

O Canadaperformed by The Melisizwe Brothers

Prayer

Thea Bowman the daughter of a doctor and a teacher, was born in 1937. Raised in Canton, Mississippi Thea converted to Catholicism through the influence of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration and the Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity. Growing up, Thea listened and learned from the wit and wisdom of family members and those in the community. She would ask questions and seek new insights on how her elders lived, thrived and survived. Gifted with a brilliant mind, beautiful voice and a dynamic personality, Sister Thea shared the message of God's love through a teaching career. Sister Thea gave presentations across the U.S. that combined singing, preaching, prayer and storytelling. Her programs aimed to break down racial and cultural barriers in the Church. She encouraged people to communicate with one another so that they could understand other cultures and races. Throughout her life, she fought prejudice, suspicion, hatred and things that drive people apart. She fought for God and God's people until her death in 1990. Her pathway to sainthood began when the U.S. bishops endorsed the cause for sainthood on Nov. 14th, 2018! + In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen. Ever loving God, who by your infinite goodness inspired the heart of your daughter, Sister Thea Bowman with a devoted love for you; a love expressed through her steadfast spirit, deep and abiding faith, dedicated teaching, passionate singing, and unwavering witnessing of the joy of the Gospel. May Sister Thea’s life and legacy compel us to walk together, to pray together, and to remain together as a Community of Faith. Gracious God, give us the grace and perseverance that you gave your servant, Sister Thea. In times of racial injustice, she sought equity, peace, and reconciliation. In times of intolerance and ignorance, she brought wisdom, awareness, unity, and charity. In times of pain, sickness, and suffering, she taught us how to live fully until called home to the land of promise. O God, glorify Sister Thea, so that all may know of her holiness and may imitate her love for You and Your Church. We ask this through our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. + In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Historical Black Canadian:Charlotte Forten Grimke

Contemporary Black Pioneer: Amanda Gorman

Click on the above window for a brief presentaiton on privilege and allyship then click here to put your learning to the test with a Jeopardy!!!

Let's test the knowledge of the class:) BEFORE PLAYING THE JEOPARDY GAME PLEASE GO OVER THE FOLLOWING SLIDESHOW ABOUT PRIVILEGE AND ALLYSHIP This Jeopardy is very much up to your own interpretation as the moderator, and how you would like to organize your class to take part in the Jeopardy. However, the following are a few simple steps that will get you to where you need to be to play the game:) 1. Once clicking on the link, you will be taken to a board with 6 tiles, where we suggest you choose the tile that is already highlighted for you ("Factile: Jeopardy-style). 2. Next, choose how many teams you would like for your class. This is completely up to you and how you would like to spilt your class or keep your classroom together. 3. A display will come up and you will get the chance to choose the avatar for each team (the amount of avatars you choose will be the amount of teams you have chosen to have). 4. The game will then ask if you would like to use the buzzer, however, since we do not have a buzzer, please choose "no" at this step. 5. The game will then begin, and the team(s) will be able to choose which category and price they would like to go for. At the bottom of each team's avatar will be a green check mark and a red "x." If the team gets the answer right, then you will click the check mark, and if not then touch the "x." *This is where playing as a single team may come in handy because if you just want to see who can get the right answers and not worry about the points, playing as a single team is a bit easier. 6. You can answer all the questions, or as many as you see fit for your class. This is just to test the knowledge of the class!!!!! Here is the link and it will take you to the screen outlined in step one:) Jeopardy Classroom Jeopardy Review Game | Buzzer Mode | FactileThe #1 Jeopardy-style classroom review game now with Buzzer Mode. It's Free, Easy and Loads of fun! Create engaging Jeopardy-style quiz games in...Playfactile

Dreams in Vanatablack:

Watch the following video produced by CBC that looks to investigate Chris Markland's poem called Supafly, that visually displays his own journey through insecurities, mental health, and identity.

Amanda Gorman is the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history, as well as an award-winning writer and graduate of Harvard University, where she studied Sociology. She has written for the New York Times and has three books forthcoming with Penguin Random House.

Charlotte demonstrated a activism both in the classroom as a teacher and during the abolitionist movement

Supafly

Today's prayer honours Sr. Thea Bowman

O Canada -- Toronto Mass Choir

wednesday February 15, 2023

Canva slideshow about North Preston, N.S. students publishing their own book about their historic black community.

Click here for canva presentation about article

Mary Ann Shadd

Prayer

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen. Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Word, Our Lady of Kibeho.We ask for your prayers to lead us to your Son, Jesus our Savior, we pray for all the blessings which you endlessly pour out upon us, especially that, in your meekness, you appeared miraculously in Kibeho, just when the world needed it most. Holy Mary, grant us always the light and strength necessary to accept, with humble hearts, your call to repent, and to live according to your Son’s Gospel. Teach us how to pray with sincerity, and to love one another as Jesus loves us so that when our pilgrimage on this earth comes to an end, we may live eternally with you in the kingdom of Heaven. Our Lady of Kibeho, pray for us! Amen.

Our Lady of Kibeho

Dreams in Vanta Black The Trees Sing

How one journalist risked her life to hold murderers accountable

Ted-Ed Interactive Activity

Contemporary Black Pioneers- CBC

Mary was an activist, journalist/publisher, teacher, and lawyer. She was the first black woman newspaper publisher in Canada/North America.

thursday February 16th, 2023

O Canada: Class of 2020 by William Leathers

Servant of God Mother Mary Lange LandPrayer

Wednesday February 15th – Servant of God Mother Mary Lange Land Acknowledgement We here in the Durham Region respectfully acknowledge that we are on the traditional lands of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island. Prayer Mary Elizabeth Lange was born around 1789 to parents of African descent in Santiago de Cuba, where she lived in a primarily French speaking community. She came to Baltimore, where a great number of Catholic, French-speaking refugees had settled. In 1828, she and two other Black women started a school for Black Catholic children called the St. Frances Academy, which is still in existence today in Baltimore! The following year she and three other Haitian women took vows in what became known as the Oblate Sisters of Providence, the first religious order of women of African descent. Their educational work was met with success and the sisters won praise for nursing victims of a cholera epidemic. After facing some hardships, Mother Lange eventually resumed leadership in 1844. Despite discouragement, racism and a lack of funds, the sisters continued to educate children and minister to the needs of the Black Catholic community. Mother Elizabeth Lange died on February 3, 1882 and in 2004 the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine for the Causes of Saints approved the cause of her sainthood! Prayer: + In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen. Almighty and Eternal God, You granted Mother Mary Lange extraordinary trust in Your providence. You endowed her with humility, courage, holiness and an extraordinary sense of service to the poor and sick. You enabled her to found a religious order and provide educational, social and spiritual ministry to Black Catholics. Mother Lange’s love for all enabled her to see Christ in each person, and the pain of prejudice and racial hatred never blurred that vision. We pray she may be raised to the highest honors of the altar so that, through her intercession, more souls may come to a deeper understanding and a more fervent love of You. Mother Mary Lange, pray for us! + In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Historical Figure

Contemporary pioneerA Calgary non-profit that supports pregnant Black women and families wants help to expand

Dreams in Vantablack In her poem Secondary, Libin Ahmed addresses how anger can get the best of her, but how she can also appropriate its power.

Interactive activity - Notable African-American Women Quiz. The answers to this quiz can be found in the information presented on this slide!

Michaëlle Jean is a Canadian stateswoman and former journalist who served from 2005 to 2010 as governor general of Canada, the 27th since Canadian Confederation. She is the first Haitian Canadian and black person to hold this office.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Wednesday February 15th – Servant of God Mother Mary Lange Land Acknowledgement We here in the Durham Region respectfully acknowledge that we are on the traditional lands of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island. Prayer Mary Elizabeth Lange was born around 1789 to parents of African descent in Santiago de Cuba, where she lived in a primarily French speaking community. She came to Baltimore, where a great number of Catholic, French-speaking refugees had settled. In 1828, she and two other Black women started a school for Black Catholic children called the St. Frances Academy, which is still in existence today in Baltimore! The following year she and three other Haitian women took vows in what became known as the Oblate Sisters of Providence, the first religious order of women of African descent. Their educational work was met with success and the sisters won praise for nursing victims of a cholera epidemic. After facing some hardships, Mother Lange eventually resumed leadership in 1844. Despite discouragement, racism and a lack of funds, the sisters continued to educate children and minister to the needs of the Black Catholic community. Mother Elizabeth Lange died on February 3, 1882 and in 2004 the Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine for the Causes of Saints approved the cause of her sainthood! Prayer: + In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen. Almighty and Eternal God, You granted Mother Mary Lange extraordinary trust in Your providence. You endowed her with humility, courage, holiness and an extraordinary sense of service to the poor and sick. You enabled her to found a religious order and provide educational, social and spiritual ministry to Black Catholics. Mother Lange’s love for all enabled her to see Christ in each person, and the pain of prejudice and racial hatred never blurred that vision. We pray she may be raised to the highest honors of the altar so that, through her intercession, more souls may come to a deeper understanding and a more fervent love of You. Mother Mary Lange, pray for us! + In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Oh Canada

Oh Canada Steel Pan Style for the 150 Year CIBC’s Stand for Canada Celebration

Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi

Historical Figure

Prayer

Marsha P Johnson was a transgender woman, LGBTQ+ rights activist, self-identified drag queen who fought in the gay rights movement in New york between the years 1960 until 1970.

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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?

+ info

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit Sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?

tuesday february 21st, 2023

Contemporary Pioneer

This Montrealer helps former prisoners survive life during and after prison.

Dreams in Vantablack

Bag Lady

Legacies, Struggles, and Contributions in the 21st Century

Please refer to pages 1-3 on this editable document to further understand how art- based programs can help achieve social justice goals.

Land Acknowledgment We here in the Durham Region respectfully acknowledge that we are on the traditional lands of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island. Biography Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1998 becoming the first West African to be beatified. As a priest he stood up against the oppression of women and advised them to fight back in court against those who mistreated them. This led to a milestone case in court establishing the rights of women in Nigeria. At the Mass for his Beatification in 1988, Pope Saint John Paul II said, “He was first of all a man of God: his long hours before the Blessed Sacrament filled his heart with generous and courageous love. Those who knew him testify to his great love of God. Everyone who met him was touched by his personal goodness. He was then a man of the people: he always put others before himself, and was especially attentive to the pastoral needs of families. He took great care to prepare couples well for Holy Matrimony and preached the importance of chastity. He tried in every way to promote the dignity of women. In a special way, the education of young people was precious to him.” + In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen. O God, who granted many graces to your servant, Priest and Monk, Cyprian Michael Tansi, choosing him as your faithful son for the sanctification of your people, grant also that we may spend our loves, loving you, our neighbours and building your kingdom on earth! Blessed Cyprian, look upon us now in our needs, and intercede for us with the Lord. May He grant us the favour we ask through our prayers. Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi pray for us! Amen. + In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 22, 2023

9-year-old Eva Anthony’s engaging poem Advice offers a list of useful and wise directions on how to live a better life.

O Canada

The national anthem sung by KW Glee featuring soloist Isabelle Aboaqye

St.Monica prayer

St. Monica Prayer for February 22nd Land Acknowledgement We here in the Durham Region respectfully acknowledge that we are on the traditional lands of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island. Prayer St. Monica was born in Tegaste which is present day Algeria in about 331.She was the Mother of the great St. Augustine and St. Perpetua! Monica was a woman of great faith and disciple of St. Ambrose who prayed for her son to turn against sin and was known for her almsgiving. Before her death, Monica had the great joy of knowing that her son had come back to God and used his talents to build up Christ's Church. + In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen. Dear St. Monica, wife and mother, many sorrows pierced your heart during your lifetime. Yet you never despaired or lost faith. With confidence, persistence and profound faith, you prayed daily for the conversion of your family. Grant us that same fortitude, patience and trust in the Lord. St. Monica, pray for us! Amen. + In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen. Reflection adapted from The Office of Cultural Diversity, Archdiocese of Washington

The mother of St.Augustine and St.Perpetua

Historical figure

Viola Desmond was a Canadian civil and women's rights activist and businesswoman of Black Nova Scotian descent.

Contemporary pioneer

Dr. Alexa Canady is the first African American woman in the United States to become a neurosurgeon.

Dreams in VantaBlack

Black History Month word search The following word search will consist of words found in the prayer and videos shown.

Teachers, share the following link with your students to learn more about the human rights code and how the United Nations is promoting the legacy of people of African decent. Please highlight your focus on pages 4-6”.

O Canada

O Canada sung by Jully Black

Prayer

Prayer for Black History MonthSpirit of Abundance, God of Grace, Mother of Hope,We pause now to remember those stories that are all around us,But so often passed over,Those stories that when told are shared becauseOf what someone is, not who they are.This month in our nation's characterIs Black History month.Help us to realize that Black history isAll our histories.May the day come when these storiesAre so wildly taught that no month needBe separately divided.We know this day will not come until we as a peopleMake different choices.We pray now for those new choices.May we come to see a day where the prison systemBecomes redemptive, not punitive.A day where the legal system learns to focus more squarely on the facts,And the not colors of our skin.A day where our schools are as well funded, as the needs demand.May our role models be allowed to excel when they thrive,And not be taken down for their rich heritage.We know this will require a shift in power.And this can be scary for some.Give those full of fear - hope.May we come to know grace,So that our hearts will not be hardened to the pain around us.There are so many beautiful stories needing to be told.And we need to get the chance to hear them.Widen our vision so that the history that is shared this month,And every month,Come to be known as our history too.We are most human when we see the humanity in others.

I Dream A World by Langston Hughes

Jesse Owens: the first black man to become an Olympic champion in track and field

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Thursday february 23, 2023

Tip: click on the images to navigate through this session

Historical Black Athlete

Contemporary Black Pioneers

New hockey program giving black kids an equal opportunity in sports

Dreams in VantaBlack

In Dear Simone Biles, former gymnast Egypt Morgan changes her outlook on the sport with the help of the superstar herself

Learn Black History

Students and teachers can watch a short presentation on the history of Nubia by clicking the image, and take a quiz at the end

I Dream A World I dream a world where manNo other man will scorn,Where love will bless the earthAnd peace its paths adornI dream a world where allWill know sweet freedom's way,Where greed no longer saps the soulNor avarice blights our day.A world I dream where black or white,Whatever race you be,Will share the bounties of the earthAnd every man is free,Where wretchedness will hang its headAnd joy, like a pearl,Attends the needs of all mankind-Of such I dream, my world! -Langston Hughes + In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen. Almighty God, through your Holy Spirit you created unity in the midst of diversity; We acknowledge that human diversity is an expression of your manifold love for your creation. We confess that in our brokenness as human beings we turn diversity into a source of alienation, injustice, oppression, and wounding. Empower us to recognize and celebrate differences as your great gift to the human family. Enable us to be the architects of understanding, of respect and love; Through the Lord, the ground of all unity, we pray. + In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen

FRiday February 24, 2023

O CanadaDarnell Thomas & Friends

Contemporary PioneerAll Black-Canadian baseball team

Kahoot Information based on the videos and article shown

Dreams in Vantablack"Hurricane" is a poem in which the author speaks about her mental illnesses and how she has overcome them

Prayer of EmpowermentClick play to hear prayer

Historical Figure Ruby Bridges was a young girl who attended an all white school and faced racsim from peers and community around her. By experiencing this, Ruby Bridges opened opportunities for other black students to attend school and acquire an education

A Prayer of EmpowermentMost Loving and Merciful God, In whose law we find our guidance, in whose Love we find our healing and joy, and in whose will we find our peace, rule over our spirits in this hour that we will go from this worship with the freedom of those who trust you and need have no anxiety for themselves. Empower us, O God to be open to the seasons of life and give of our hearts Love generously to all in need. Grant us the silence of heart so that we can grow in your word. As we go through this worship today and culminate what we call "Black History Month", help us to never forget our history and instill in us the willingness to share our history with our youth and others throughout the year. Now Lord God, fill us with the solemnity of the faith of the great commission; but also provide us with the means and the will to stay in Loving and Joyous relationships with one another and the world. We ask a special blessing for our pastor who will bring the message by sharing historical reflections. Lord, we praise and adore you and we thank you for the joy we have in worshiping you in spirit and in truth. In your name we pray,Amen.

Monday February 27, 2023

Prayer

Almighty God, of all creation, maker of all things, beauty beyond measure, that cannot be exhausted! We worship you, we glorify you and we thank you for the gift of our Lord Jesus Christ who came to earth to make us one. He broke down the walls of separation and He has given us a command that whatsoever we do to anyone, we do unto Him. In this month of memory and celebration may the spirit of Sankofa live in us. Be before us now Lord, and make a way for us. May those who are wounded, be healed. May those who suffer, experience the expansive love that you have put in our hearts for, our capacity to love is infinite! May structures of injustice be pulled down by courageous Christians and people of good will. May every person in this world be embraced as someone beautiful onto You! Amen.

In-Person Assembly Guest Speaker - Farley Flex

Farley Flex is a successful Canadian entertainer and community builder. He has managed the career of a Juno Award-winning Hip Hop artist, been a founding member of Canada's first Black-owned radio station, and served as a judge on Canadian Idol. In the community sector, Flex has co-founded several initiatives aimed at building capacity and promoting positive change, including R.E.A.L. School and Just Think 1st. He is a partner at Urban Rez Solutions, a social enterprise known for its expertise in Transformative Change Management, Conflict Management, youth and community engagement, violence prevention, and social mobilization..

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The word “sankofa” comes from the Akan, a nation of people in the west African country of Ghana. One translation of sankofa is: “We must go back and reclaim our past so we can move forward; so, we can understand how and why we came to be who we are.” The Akan believe the search for knowledge is a lifelong process and journey of learning. Age and experience are to be revered and honored. The sankofa bird is a symbol of wisdom, knowledge, and the people’s heritage. The word is derived from the words san (return), ko (go), and fa (look, seek, and take). The bird flying forward with its head looking backward symbolizes the Akan’s quest for knowledge, with on critical examination and intelligent investigation. Wisdom gained from the past is clearly a foundation for the future. Certainly, time and people move forward… but one must not ignore the gems to be picked up from behind to be carried into the future. Sankofa invites us all to understand racial justice as a critical component of our Christian discipleship. Sankofa calls and empowers us, as children of God, to become ambassadors of reconciliation inside and outside the church! On this last day of February, may we carry all that we have learned into the future with us. As we prepare to move into the season of Lent, may our Community of Faith continue to honour the Black excellence, history and celebration that lives here in our school community, in Durham region and all over the world, each and every day!

Tuesday February 28, 2023

Virtual Black History Month Video

Thank-you for helping us to commemorate Black History Month! Please join us as we conclude this month's activities with a video that highlights this year's theme: “Ours to Tell” In this video, students will share stories of success, resistance and resilience through various mediums to inspire you to build a more equitable society that leaves no one behind.

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Educating ourselves on Canadian Black history is a year-round endeavour, not just in February. Black History is not something from the past, it is still happening now, and whoever we are, we can contribute to it. Partner with local or national organizations to up the authenticity, find experts, and communicate with outside audiences.

Consider reading books by Black authors. Click here for suggestions for youth.

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Here are some ideas on how you can be more involved:

Our school has had a long standing relationship with a community partner organization known as Ifarada and they have been most instrumental in the establishment of a more equitable school environment that celebrates diversity. In partnership with the unity group, Ifarada has designed a 6 week program that will address issues such as cultural appropriation vs appreciation, colourism/shadism, and microagressions, over the lunches in the chapel. Workshops will be open to the first 40 students who register. Workshops will begin after the March Break every Wednesday. If you are interested please click here to register!

Beyond february...

Resources