Learning Highlights During #BlackHistoryMonth at LCS

February is Black History Month in Canada, an annual observance that takes place to honour the legacy of Black Canadians. As a community we are embracing the opportunity to explore and celebrate its significance. In Chapel on Monday, Ms. Kee opened with comments to remind us of our responsibility to create a space in which everyone feels they belong and in which discussions about difference can occur. 

 

“Addressing this topic can be intimidating [...] and people can feel inadequate in their knowledge,” which is why it is important to have conversations about race, identity, and culture—we all have room to learn and grow. Throughout the month, our students will take part in a variety of learning activities to acknowledge the history and transformative cultural and intellectual work of Black Canadians and their communities.

 

We will keep this article updated on a weekly basis with some of the activities LCS students are engaging in throughout the month of February.

 

 

The Grade 9 Arts students in Ms. Bemrose’s class welcomed local Black artist, Beau Dixon to their classroom. Dixon shared about his career as a playwright, actor, singer/songwriter, sound designer, and musical director. The students enjoyed learning about his experience as an integrated artist and had many thoughtful questions to ask!

 

 

Ms. Thompson’s Grade 10 English Class read Nelson Mandela's ‘Peace Prize’ speech before starting ‘Born a Crime’ by Trevor Noah. Students explore written works by diverse authors year-round but these books become particularly relevant for stimulating thoughtful conversation during Black History Month.

Mr. Gilfillan’s Grade 11 American History class began the week by examining past and present racial issues. “It's impossible to talk about, much less understand American history without closely examining race. This week, American History began with the present, by examining Black Lives Matters and it's connection to slavery, segregation and civil rights,” said Mr. Gilfillan. 

In Chapel, members of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Team shared details about the upcoming virtual Leadership and Diversity Summit on February 19, 2021. “The goal of the ‘You Belong Summit’ is to create an environment for greater discussion and collaboration between students with broad perspectives from independent schools across Canada,” said Sarah Jiang ‘22, DEI Team member. Sarah Jiang ‘22 shared her excitement for this learning opportunity, reminding her peers that one of the keynote speakers, Sandy Hudson is the co-founder of Canada’s Black Lives Matter campaign. 

LCS Visual Arts Teacher, Tayler Morencie started a new daily series on her Twitter account. Ms. Morencie will share a profile of Black visual artists every day this month to shine a light on creators from different racial, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds. 

During today’s House meeting, the Memorial House students created time capsules for six influential black Canadians. They discussed each individual they selected and shared what they learned in their research. 

Lower Colebrook House watched a short documentary on Willie Eldon O'Ree, a Canadian former professional ice hockey player, best known for being the first black player in the National Hockey League (NHL), and discussed the issues that he confronted, and overcame, as well as those surrounding access and barriers to playing professional level sports. 

The Moodie House students talked about a series of quotes from Black activists, poets, authors, and musicians. They shared what the quotes meant to them and what questions they still have. The students are looking forward to more discussions about Black History Month in the coming weeks.

The Wadsworth House ladies also took time to read quotes from influential Black figures in Canada and around the world. They did a gallery walk of the quote, questions, and reflections they wanted to share.

• Beloved, Toni Morrison
• The Colour Purple, Alice Walker
• Their Eyes Were Watching God, Zora Neale Hurston
• The Good Lord Bird, James McBride
• Between the World and Me, Ta-Nehisi Coates

Ms. Morencie continues to share a profile of Black visual artists every day to highlight artists who have shaped the face of contemporary art. This week, she featured Betye Saar, Carrie Mae Weems, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Esmaa Mahmoud, and Sandra Brewster.

Stay tuned to read more learning highlights from Black History Month at LCS!