Black History Month kicked off at Trinity College School with events the week of January 29th. Each February, the Canadian government has designated Black History Month as a time to learn about, reflect on and celebrate the legacy and contributions of Black people and their communities. This year’s theme is “Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build.”
The Junior School’s Allies Against Racism & Discrimination (AARD) took the opportunity of weekly assembly on Tuesday, January 30th, to educate their peers on Black History Month. The group spoke about different symbols and words globally that are associated with Black history and the movement for a more equitable world. For example, they explained how the raised fist was used by U.S. runners Tommie Smith and John Carlos, as they stood on the podium at the 1968 Olympics, to send a message of Black power and resilience. Likewise, the symbol wawa aba, the seed of the wawa-tree, denotes hardiness and perseverance. And the word “Ubuntu” describes a way of life where we are all connected and are defined by our capacity for humanity and compassion.
In the Senior School, the Black Student Alliance (BSA) hosted a non-uniform day on February 1st, where students were asked to wear the colours of the Pan-African flag (red, green, yellow and/or black). Pan-Africanism is a movement to bring together Black people around the world of African descent, joining them in solidarity. The BSA presented in morning chapel service, and later in the day led a fun “Finish the Lyrics” game in Cirne Commons. The group also looks forward to further initiatives later in the month, such as the fourth annual Black Alumni Career Night on February 22nd.
While Black History Month takes place in February, the importance of its messages and themes resonate throughout the year. In their email to the school community, BSA leaders Golden Onyekere and Sienna Taylor noted, “Adhering to the fundamental theme of ‘Black Excellence,’ we strongly encourage everybody to take part and show their passion for acknowledging the achievements, input and diligence of Black people throughout history and in our community… Let's all recognize and value the enormous impact Black excellence has had on our society.”
