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Upcoming In-Person Events and Monthly Virtual Meetings
See our lists below by expanding [+] the accordions.
Kwanzaa Celebration
Thursday, December 4, 2025, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Bill Hogarth S.S., Cafeteria, 100 Donald Sim Ave, Markham. Learn more and register by December 1, 2025.
*Please note that once you register for one event you will be invited to all virtual monthly events.
Understanding and Navigating the Education System - YRDSB Families of Black Students Monthly Virtual Meeting
Navigating New Narratives with Nobility and Notion
Monday, November 24, 2025, 6:30-8:00 p.m. Learn more and register.
Daring to Dream with Determination and Delight
Monday, December 15, 2025, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Jumpstarting Journeys with Joy and Purpose
Monday, January 26, 2026, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Fearlessly Facing the Future with Fortitude
Monday, February 23, 2026, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Mindfully Moving Forward with Momentum
Monday, March 30, 2026, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Actively Advancing with Authenticity
Monday, April 27, 2026, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Moving Mountains with Motivation and Mindfulness
Date: Monday, May 25, 2026, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Journeying Joyfully Toward Growth and Gratitude
Date: Monday, January 26, 2026, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Welcome to the Centre for Black Student Excellence
"Now more than ever, the lives of Black students hang in the balance. With a mirage of images that bombard our television screens black youth are too often further marginalized and face significant disparities in accessing their education.
As part of our commitment to change, the Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Strategy is a roadmap that will help to forge change and make inroads towards the priorities that matter.
Enter, The Centre for Black Student Excellence—a space committed to the promotion of Dismantling Anti-Black racism and amplifying voices that have been historically marginalized.
A place that gives birth to the genius that is within us. The ultimate goal is to work to eliminate barriers that YRDSB data shows have resulted in stark disparities and disproportionalities for Black students' achievement and well-being.
Within these pages there are many options that are available to you. You will have access to mixed media—YRDSB curated videos and podcasts, a community newsletter and highlights, resources, and digital learning.
With a clearly defined mission—as a system we have also had to challenge our approach to teaching, best practices and to ensure that we actualize how young people will be made aware of their greatness and infinite potential.
We invite you to enter. Abide in the space of learning and discovery, as we celebrate achievement and the pursuit of brilliance.
Join us as we strive to collectively dismantle systemic barriers and work together to create transformational change."
- Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Team
Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Strategy
Our Team
Learn more our team members and how we provide support.
Coordinates the implementation of YRDSB’s Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Strategy. A significant part of the role includes supporting all YRDSB staff in acquiring the racial literacy skills needed to recognize, discuss, dismantle and disrupt racist ideologies that perpetuate the disparities that Black students face.
Works together with school teachers and administrators to meet the diverse needs of students and families across the region. This includes fostering school-community relationships and supporting the implementation of inclusive curriculum.
Candice Chang-Sandy, Samuel Kwendo and Tamara Hamilton provide intensive culturally-responsive support to Black students that will assist with helping to improve their academic achievement and well-being.
Candice Chang-Sandy
Samuel Kwendo
Tamara Hamilton
Establishes and maintains relationships with our community partners and organizations and directs schools toward a number of programs and resources to support our students, parents and staff.
Contact Us
To request support from a member of the Centre for Black Student Excellence team please email
Programs
Resources
Community Agencies
Celebrating Black Excellence
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The Centre for Black Student Excellence November 2025 Newsletter
Centre for Black Student Excellence
NOVEMBER 2025
In light of the recent hurricane in Jamaica, many families are facing significant hardship and loss.
We invite families who wish to support relief efforts to kindly donate to organizations below, who are coordinating local collection and shipment efforts to assist affected communities.
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Mid-October 2025 - The Centre for Black Student Excellence Newsletter
Centre for Black Student ExcellenceMID-OCTOBER 2025
