With Black History Month winding down, Markham's two English-language school boards shared stories this week about how students in the city have been marking it. Here are three.
1. Coding and ice cream at Middlefield Collegiate Institute
Students, families and community members gathered at Middlefield CI for an evening of hands-on science and technology tied to the work of Black scientists and inventors, the York Region District School Board said on Feb. 25. Black women engineering students from Ontario Tech University led coding workshops, and families made ice cream with household materials while learning about Black innovators. Community and youth groups also set up to share resources. It was one of four such celebrations the public board held across York Region this month. A Grade 10 student told the board the night showed younger Black children that they too can achieve great things.
2. A St. Brother André student's art at York University
Angelika, a student at St. Brother André Catholic High School in Markham, had her original artwork shown at the Jean Augustine Chair in Education's Black History Month event at York University, the York Catholic District School Board said on Feb. 19. The event honours Jean Augustine, the first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament and appointed to cabinet, and Angelika had the chance to meet her. The board credited its Black Excellence Graduation Coaches, including Saran James-Vaughan, with helping make it happen.
3. A message to "Stay Driven" in Unionville
At St. Justin Martyr Catholic Elementary School in Unionville, students from kindergarten to Grade 8 heard from guest artist Duane Gibson, whose talk carried the message "Stay Driven," the Catholic board said on Feb. 20. The school also filled its main foyer with student art highlighting Black history, culture and achievement.
