By Neil Armstrong
Patrice Barnes, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Education, Government of Ontario
Several figures in the Black community have welcomed the recent announcement by the Ontario government that it will be introducing new mandatory learning in Grades 7, 8 and 10 history classes on the exceptional contributions and history of Black Canadians who helped build Canada.
Starting in September 2025, students in these grades will learn that Black history is Canadian history and find out about the various Black communities that emerged, developed and contributed to the development of Canada, including pre- and post-Confederation.
Over the next year, the ministry will consult with historians, educators and the Black community, which will inform the new learning.
“It’s important that all students learn about Black communities in Canada and their enormous impact on the growth of our country. Black people have been a part of the Canadian story since the 1600s,” said Patrice Barnes, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Education.
“And that’s why we aim to deepen students’ understanding of our country’s diverse and vibrant heritage by embedding this mandatory learning. It highlights the numerous significant milestones, which will help students develop a greater understanding of our country’s rich heritage.”
The government also said it is continuing its work on a modernized and up-to-date curriculum to ensure students graduate with real-life job skills and knowledge that they need to succeed – in the classroom and beyond. With the expedited growth in technological advancement and rise in entrepreneurship, the province is introducing updated curriculum starting in the next school year that prepares students for the jobs of tomorrow, it said.
“Black history is Canadian history,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education. “By mandating learning on the contributions Black individuals made to our country’s founding and success, the next generation of Canadians will better appreciate the sacrifice, patriotic commitment and long-lasting contributions Black Canadians have made to Canada. As the economy and technology continue to change, we will continue to modernize curriculum, with an emphasis on STEM education, so students have the skills and confidence to graduate into good-paying jobs.”
Reacting to the government’s move, the Ontario Public School Boards' Association (OPSBA) Black Trustees’ Caucus (BTC), which has been advocating for this change in the curriculum since its inception, said it is thrilled that it has come to fruition.
“The minister has said it before, and BTC strongly affirms, Black history is Canadian history. The Canadian identity is not a singular story. Learning about Canada's Black communities and Black leaders will help all students be prepared for a future that is not limited to the confines of their immediate surroundings, but one that encompasses an appreciation of how this country's rich heritage was formed,” said Kathy McDonald, Chair of Black Trustees' Caucus.
She said learning about the Black experience, both past and present, will help all students move beyond the awareness that celebrating Black History Month entails. “In strong public education systems, students learn their true and full histories, they recognize how lessons from the past can help create better futures, and they understand how diverse historical and current perspectives help build strong foundations in democratic societies.”
McDonald said the BTC is grateful that the ministry will continue to modernize Ontario's curriculum through consultation and engagement with Black communities as it is vital for a range of voices and perspectives to be honoured and valued in the creation of this new curriculum.
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| Kathy McDonald, Chair of Black Trustees' Caucus, Ontario Public School Board's Association |
The OPSBA represents public district school boards and public school authorities across Ontario, which together serve more than 1.3 million public elementary and secondary students. It advocates on behalf of the best interests and needs of the public school system in Ontario.
"OPSBA welcomes this announcement, which is an important moment for all Ontarians. Embedded curriculum will help ensure our students learn about the history, contributions, and excellence of Black Canadians,” said Cathy Abraham, President of the OPSBA.
Shernett Martin, CEO and Executive Director of ANCHOR Canada, said Black history is Canadian history.
“From coast to coast to coast, the Black experience permeates throughout our communities. This announcement slated to include Black Canadian history for Grades 7, 8 and 10 will ensure that students across Ontario will be introduced to stories and profiles inherent to our Canadian identity that celebrates history, diversity and culture. Minister Lecce’s commitment to expanding the Ontario curriculum is another important step in making Ontario’s curriculum a curriculum for all."
In the meantime, the Peel District School Board (PDSB) said it is well positioned for the recent announcement about mandated content on Black history in the curriculum.
It said Black history is Canadian history and has already been integrated into the design of classroom learning across many schools in the PDSB. The Board’s theme this year for Black History Month is “Afrofuturism: Examine the Past, Question the Present, Imagine the Future.”
In a media release, the PDSB noted that according to the Smithsonian Magazine, Afrofuturism expresses notions of Black identity, agency and freedom through art, creative works and activism that envision liberated futures for Black life.
Developing an understanding of Afrofuturism allows students and staff the opportunity
to explore the past, present and future significance of Black culture and its contributions
to our everyday lives.
During Black History Month, schools across the Peel District School Board will participate in several activities that recognize and celebrate the rich heritage, history, culture and contributions of Black Canadians as well as Black communities from around the world.
“As we participate in festivities and events over the course of this month and beyond, we take the time to recognize the outstanding achievements of Black Canadians in all
areas of Canadian life including in science, technology, media, the arts, sports,
education, law, healthcare, military services, financial services and more. PDSB’s “We Rise Together 2.0: Black Student Success Strategy” is an example of our commitment to amplifying the contributions of Black Canadians in all areas of the curriculum,” it said.
Lisa Hart, Superintendent, Equity, Indigenous Education, School Engagement and Community Relations, said the PDSB is committed to ensuring equitable outcomes for African, Black, and Afro-Caribbean students through meaningful opportunities to engage with authentic and rich content. “Our work is grounded in an ethic of care that celebrates Black excellence and brilliance all year long.”
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| Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the Emancipation Day Underground Freedom Train Ride organized by Blackhurst Cultural Centre in Toronto on July 31, 2023 |
On February 7 — one day before the Ontario government announced mandatory Black history learning in those grades in schools — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau revealed in Ottawa that the federal government will extend its observation of the United Nations (UN) International Decade for People of African Descent, 2015-2024, to 2028.
“Black Canadians have helped make Canada the country we love. From groundbreaking trailblazers in halls of fame and history books to unsung heroes in communities across the country, Black excellence is all around us. However, as we grow and become more diverse, Canada’s painful history of anti-Black racism continues to impact Black communities, preventing many from reaching their full potential. We can – and we must – do better,” notes a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.
It noted that the UN Decade “helps us build inclusive programs to empower people of African descent and advance our work to combat racism, discrimination, and xenophobia faced by people of African descent in Canada and around the world. While the UN Decade ends this year, we are reaffirming our support to Black communities.”
The prime minister said this will be an extension of the federal government’s efforts to promote equality and empower Black Canadians. Using the frameworks of the UN Decade, this extension will support Black Canadians and strengthen their leadership in business, social justice, and community, it said.
“Diversity is a fact, but inclusion is a choice. By extending our efforts under the International Decade for People of African Descent in Canada, we are reaffirming our commitment to support Black Canadians. Using the frameworks set out by the UN, we will invest in Black-led programs, advance racial justice, and ensure Black Canadians have the opportunities they deserve to reach their full potential,” said Prime Minister Trudeau.
The government said it has made transformative investments to empower Black communities across the country. “Since endorsing the UN Decade in 2018, we have committed up to $860 million to Black-focused initiatives – from racial justice to entrepreneurship to economic dignity. Through the Supporting Black Canadian Communities Initiative, we have invested in more than 2,300 projects to grow charities and non-profit organizations, for Black Canadians, by Black Canadians.”
Last year, the government selected the Foundation for Black Communities to manage the Black-led Philanthropic Endowment Fund. The Fund will provide long-term, sustainable funding to charities and non-profit organizations fighting anti-Black racism and improving social and economic well-being in predominantly Black communities.
“With the Black Entrepreneurship Program, we are helping thousands of Black Canadian business owners and entrepreneurs start up, scale up, and succeed,” noted the statement.
“The UN Decade has been an important roadmap to help us recognize the distinct rights, culture, and accomplishments of the more than 1.5 million people of African descent living in Canada today. But just as the contributions of the Black diaspora to this country have endured for generations, so too must our commitment extend beyond the bounds of any single decade. I remain committed to supporting recognition, justice, and development for Black communities across Canada through 2028 and in the years beyond,” said Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities.
The principles of the UN Decade continue to guide Canada in its efforts to combat anti-Black racism and remove systemic barriers for marginalized communities, the statement noted.
In 2018, Canada endorsed the UN International Decade for People of African Descent, which runs from 2015 to 2024. In so doing, Canada became the first country belonging to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development to formally recognize the UN Decade.
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