During the month of February, we honour the legacy, resilience, and brilliance of Black communities throughout history and today. We celebrate the contributions of Black leaders, scholars, artists, and changemakers who have broken barriers and paved the way for future generations.
While we recognize the importance of ensuring Black students see their stories and identities reflected and celebrated in the curriculum and our schools year-round, Black History Month provides an opportunity to deliberately acknowledge and reflect upon the legacy and contributions of the Black community.
It also provides an opportunity to come together as a community, and we are looking forward to several events taking place this month. This month, we are highlighting many events taking place within YRDSB and around the community.
To send your inquiries or feedback, please email: BlackStudentExcellence@yrdsb.ca
YRDSB News and Events
YRDSB Black History Month Celebrations
Monday, February 3, 2025 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Dr. J.M. Denison S.S.
Wednesday, February 12, 2025 from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Bill Hogarth S.S.
Wednesday, February 19, 2025 from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Alexander Mackenzie H.S.
Tuesday, February 25, 2025 from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Tommy Douglas S.S.
Students, families and staff you are invited to an inspiring evening as we celebrate Black History Month!
Please join us to celebrate the rich history and contributions of the Black Community while creating meaningful connections and memories together. Registration is required for each event.
Understanding and Navigating the Education System - Families of YRDSB Black Students Monthly Information Session
Date: Monday, February 24, 2025
Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual Meeting
Families, parents and caregivers, please join us for our monthly virtual meeting on Monday, February 24, 2025, from 6:30- 7:30 p.m., where families with Black children come together to learn about resources and upcoming programs for Black students in both elementary and secondary schools. Please register online.
Upcoming Community Events and Announcements
University of Toronto-Various Programs
Registration is now open for the following programs. The deadline to register for the MedLinx program is March 31, while the registration deadline for SMP and STEAM-D is March 16.
Students must be 16 as of June 30th and returning to high school in the upcoming fall school year to be eligible to attend. Students who complete the summer programs will also earn the grade 12 science credit (SNC 4M).
Fall Programming
MedLinx is a comprehensive program that runs from November to April and offers students in grade 9-12, a unique chance to gain real-world experience in healthcare through hands-on activities, mentorship, and academic workshops.
Summer Programming
The Summer Mentorship Program (SMP) provides a distinctive opportunity for high school students who are Indigenous or identify as Black African, Black Caribbean, Black North American, or from multi-racial backgrounds connected to their Black heritage. During a four-week period in July at the University of Toronto's Temerty Faculty of Medicine, participants engage in hands-on activities, experiments, lectures, and specialized projects led by professionals. They explore a variety of fields such as Nursing, Public Health, Social Work, Dentistry, Kinesiology, Physiotherapy, Medicine and much more. Additionally, they also have the opportunity to shadow professionals during clinical placements, gaining valuable mentorship experience.
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) Design is an experiential learning initiative with an equity focus. The learners participate in interactive sessions led by researchers, graduate students, and practitioners to broaden their understandings of academic and career pathways available within health sciences. This program is for students facing systemic barriers, including those from Black, Indigenous, Filipino, Latin American, racialized groups, or students who experience socio-economic challenges.
McMaster University- Faculty of Engineering
Black Excellence in STEM: Funding Your Engineering Education
During this presentation, you will learn about university-related costs, due dates, payment options, financial support systems, funding available to Black students and much more! The presentation will conclude with a question-and-answer session for you to ask any and all of your pressing questions. Please register.
McMaster University- Faculty of Engineering
Pathways to McMaster Engineering: Early Prep for Future Black Engineers
This webinar is designed to help Grade 10, and 11 self-identifying Black students prepare for applying to McMaster Engineering in the future. It will cover essential information about required courses and admission requirements to support early planning. Additionally, the session will provide an in-depth overview of the various programs offered, encouraging students to explore their interests. Participants will also gain insight into what engineering truly entails. Please register.
Aurora Black Community (ABC)
Sign up now! Decoration Event for Black History Month! Show your community spirit and honor Black History Month by decorating your door or window! Please register.
Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA)
Black History Month Art Gallery Exhibit
Stop by the Old Town Hall and/or the Elman W. Campbell Museum for an inspiring gallery exhibition celebrating Black History Month 2025. Please book a tour.
Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA)
Community Vision Board Experience - Envision Your Future: A Vision Board Experience for Growth and Community
Date: February 1-28, 2025
Location: Newmarket Public Library, 438 Park Avenue/Community Gallery at Old Town Hall, 460 Botsford Street
Please join NACCA this Black History Month for a powerful month-long Vision Board experience at Newmarket Public Library and Old Town Hall’s Community Gallery located behind Serpa Gallery on the ground floor. For more information and to register.
Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA)
Black History Month reception, Art Exhibition & Ujamaa Marketplace
Date: Saturday, February 1, 2025
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Town Hall, 460 Botsford Street, Newmarket, Free Admission
Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA)
Flag-raising Ceremony
Date: Monday, February 3, 2025
Time: 10:30 a.m -11:30 a.m.
Location: Municipal Offices, 395 Mulock Drive, Newmarket
The Pan-African Flag will be raised at the Municipal Offices to commemorate Black History Month. This ceremony celebrates the rich heritage, culture and invaluable contributions of people of African descent to our community. Please register.
Markham African Caribbean Canadian Association
Code the Future: Inspiring Black Youth to Dream, Create & Innovate in AI
Date: Thursday, February 6, 2025
Time: 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Location: Flato Markham Theatre, Markham
MACCA is hosting a Black History event at Flato Markham Theatre on Thursday, February 6, 2025. Please register.
Richmond Hill Public Library
Afrofuturist Collage Workshop
Date: Saturday, February 8, 2025
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Location: Richmond Hill Public Library, 1 Atkinson Street Richmond Hill
To mark the Black History Month, RHPL is offering an Afrofuturist collage workshop. The presenter is Adeyemi Adegbesan (aka Yung Yemi) - a very interesting and inspiring artist. Please visit their website for more information.
Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA)
Falls Illumination
Date: Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Time: Dusk to 11:00 p.m.
Location: Riverwalk Commons, 200 Doug Duncan Drive, Newmarket
Witness the beauty of local waterfalls illuminated in yellow and green. This display serves as a tribute to Black History Month, celebrating the richness of African heritage and the beauty of our diverse communities. Bring a friend or loved one to experience this purposeful tribute which honours the past and inspires the future.
York Region Alliance of African Canadian Communities (YRAACC)
Black History Month Celebration
Date: Saturday, February 15, 2025
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Location: 500 Elgin Mills Rd. East, Richmond Hill
York Region Alliance of African Canadian Communities is hosting a black history month celebration. Please visit the website for more information.
Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA)
Regulating My Energy to Rule My Destiny” with Nyahsa Ysrayl
Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2025
Time: 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Location: Newmarket Public Library, 438 Park Avenue, Newmarket
Participate in this empowering workshop and learn how to harness powerful techniques like Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) to cleanse and protect your energy field, reprogram your subconscious mind, and enhance overall wellness. Please register.
City of Vaughan
Various Black History Events
Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025
Time: 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Vaughan City Hall, 2141 Major Mackenzie Dr., Vaughan, ON L6A 1T1
The City of Vaughan is hosting a Black History Month Event featuring Afro-Caribbean and urban dances, a drum performance, and complimentary food. Please visit the website for more information and to register.
Nigerian Pepper Soup Workshop
Date: Sunday, February 16, 2025
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: VMC Library - VSES Teaching Kitchen
Cost: $10.00
Learn the art of Nigerian cooking and explore unique ingredients as we make Pepper Soup together! Please visit the website for more information.
Aging Well Club- Drum Circle
Date: Thursday, February 20, 2025
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Location: Ansley Grove Library
Celebrate Black History Month with a lively drum circle led by renowned musician Glenn Marais Please visit the website for more information.
Author Visit: Sadé Smith
Date: Thursday, February 27, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location: Civic Centre Resource Library
Join local author Sadé Smith for an interactive storytime as she reads her delightful picture book, Granny's Kitchen. Please visit the website for more information.
Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA)
Paint & Sip with Chika Oh
Date: Sunday, February 23, 2025
Time: 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Newmarket Public Library, 438 Park Avenue, Newmarket
This interactive art session, accompanied by refreshments, allows participants to explore their artistic talents while reflecting on themes of self-determination and community. Please register.
McMaster Engineering Community Outreach
McMaster is hosting workshops that will run from February-June only on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For further details and to register, please visit the website.
National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
NSBE is thrilled to invite you participate in the Pre-Collegiate Initiative (PCI) portion of our Annual Conference. The PCI program is designed to inspire high school students, particularly from underrepresented communities, to explore and pursue opportunities in STEM.
Oak Valley Health Network
Oak Valley Health Network is hosting an art contest for Black History Month, for all students in York and Durham Regions who self-identify as Black. Please visit the website for more information.
Community Agencies
The Alliance of Educators for Black Students (AEBS)
AEBS is committed to promoting well-being and excellence in achievement for students of African/ Caribbean heritage. You can follow them on Twitter @AEBSyrdsb
Learn more about Black community agencies that provide supports in your area:
Aurora Black Community (ABC)
The Aurora Black Community Association (ABC) is led by a dedicated group committed to the work needed to dismantle anti-racism and discrimination, elevate and marginalize voice and bridge culture. ABC community is proud to be the reason the town of Aurora has officially declared February as Black History Month.
ANCHOR Formerly Vaughan African Canadian Association
ANCHOR offers the program aims to find your child’s trouble areas in understanding vocabulary, spelling, and grammar. This program will help strengthen subject comprehension, boost confidence, and improve their reading and writing skills.
Black York Region Youth (BYR Youth)
Black York Region Youth (BYR Youth) was founded in 2020 with the purpose of combating anti-Black racism, systemic racism, anti-Indigenous hate, and discrimination in all of its forms within York Region and its surrounding communities.
Markham African Caribbean Canadian Association (MACCA)
At MACCA, Students will follow a grade-appropriate curriculum. Curriculum content will evolve into the study of Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) and will be Afri-centric based.
Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association (NACCA)
NACCA’s vision is to focus on African positive identity formation/ Rites of passage as a foundation for mental wellness, and supporting children in developing a positive sense of self. NACCA offers culturally relevant Mental Health Education and Counseling support programs for Black youth and families; financial literacy program; educational programs for the entire family; food security program; presentations and workshops to educate about racial prejudice & bias to reduce discrimination; annual scholarship program and more!
The Black Foundation of Community Networks (BFCN)
The Black Foundation of Community Networks (BFCN) is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2011 and continues to serve and support local Black communities. Based in Vaughan, Ontario but proudly serves and supports Black communities across the province. BFCN provides free and low-cost programs, advocacy, and resources, and connects people with other local organizations and services.
York Region Alliance of African Canadian Communities (YRAACC)
YRAACC / Sankofa Program offers an African-centered curriculum that is focused on activities that provide workshop sessions for students to explore their racial and cultural identity, self-esteem, critical thinking, self-reflection, teamwork, and community building. The program’s framework is based on The Seven Principles (The Nguzo Saba) The principles are Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination); Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility); Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics); Nia (Purpose); Kuumba (Creativity) and Imani (Faith).
Parents of Black Children
OMO Africentric virtual campus tutoring initiative offered by Parents of Black Children is a free high-touch tutoring program for Black students. Students receive tutoring twice weekly in French, Math, and English (Language Arts). Tutoring takes place on the Omo Africentric Campus. 1-on-1 tutoring support provided. To learn more, watch THE OMO AFRICENTRIC CAMPUS IS BACK! video or visit Parents of Black Children.
Volunteer Opportunities
Students are encouraged to connect with community organizations in their local communities to find volunteer jobs, to develop leadership and team building skills. Here are a few links to review.
BFCN – Black Foundation of Community Networks
York Region Alliance of African Canadian Communities (yorkregionaacc.ca)
Markham African Caribbean Canadian Association (MACCA)
Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association