A group of Black students at Maple HS worked with artist Omar Hopkinson to create a mural that represents Black identity and culture, as well as the school's commitment to addressing anti-Black racism.
"The intention with this mural project was to create something for the school that was a visual representation of the school's efforts to address anti-Black racism and to support Black students here at Maple H.S.," said Jonatan Fuentes, Graduation Coach, York Region District School Board.
The project is an initiative of the school's Black Excellence Leadership Committee. The committee's focus is on creating a Black-affirming space for Black students at the school.
"It honestly just makes me feel happy overall," said Adaijah, Grade 11 student at Maple H.S. "I can walk by it in the halls and just look at it and be like, I was a part of this. I'm proud of this and I love the way it looks."
"It feels good to be able to look at it every day, and it will be up so that everyone can see it and look at it and they'll know that we had a part in making it and it will make us feel good when we walk around the school," said Jordan, Grade 10 student at Maple H.S.