Centre for Black Student Excellence Newsletter - May 2022

 Centre for Black Student Excellence

YRDSB is pleased to launch 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. 

We invite you to explore our new online presence at www.yrdsb.ca/blackexcellence to:

  • Access videos, resources and information about community partners.
  • Learn more about our work to dismantle anti-Black racism, guided by our strategy.
  • Celebrate Black excellence through video, feature stories, podcasts and more. 
  • Find out about programs available to Black students and families. 
  • Check out our new community newsletter. 
  • And much more.

 

Message from the Team


“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.”

 

Meet the Team Supporting the Centre for Black Student Excellence


Staff supporting the Centre for Black Student Excellence

 

How we provide support…


Darcie Sutherland

Principal: Responsible for coordinating the implementation of YRDSB’s Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Strategy (DABRS). 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.


Mawuli Chai

Strategist: Supports the full implementation of Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Strategy Implementation Plan. 


Veron DeBique, Jonatan Fuentes, Nicolette Bryan

Graduation Coach for Black Students: Provides intensive culturally-responsive support to Black students that will assist with  helping to  improve their academic achievement and well-being. 


Shani Blake

Community & Partnership Developer: 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.


Heather Henry

Equity Teacher Facilitator:  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.


 

To request support from a member of the Centre for Black Student Excellence team please email:  BlackStudentExcellence@yrdsb.ca

 

Partners


The Alliance of Educators for Black Students (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:


Upcoming Events at YRDSB

 

The Come Up Program

The Come Up summer program is a unique in-person experience for self-identifying Black students (and their parents/guardians) in the York Region District School board who will be entering grade 9 or 10 in September 2022. The program will begin Wednesday, July 6 and end Friday, July 29, 2022 (9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.).  

Students will have an opportunity to successfully earn a high school credit by participating in a fun and dynamic program. Some of the topics may include: positive identity formation and affirmation, career pathways, emotional intelligence, social media, digital literacy, entrepreneurship and legal rights. Each activity/workshop is designed to prepare and support Black students as they embark on a new journey.

A workshop series on navigating the secondary school system, supporting your child and accessing resources is also available for parents / guardians. 

See flyer for further information.  Deadline to register is May 16, 2022.


"The Come Up Summer Program was amazing. My experience was, in-short, incredible. It taught me different things and things I need to know to help me in my future endeavors. It was an incredible experience and helped me a lot to know how to handle school situations as a Black teenager."

- Bamishe, YRDSB Student


Alliance of Educators for Black Students (AEBS) Annual Student Achievement Awards 2022

“Celebrating Black Excellence”

Wednesday, June 8, 2022 (Virtually) from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm (EST)

School staff may nominate a student in Grades 4-12 for demonstrating success in one of the following areas:

the arts, academics, athletics, citizenship.  Please speak to your school administrator for further information.

 

Scholarships


AEBS Scholarship  The Alliance of Educators for Black Students (A.E.B.S.) is pleased to offer York Region District School Board students graduating from high school in 2022 the opportunity to apply to several scholarships.  

Deadline: May 16, 2022.


BFCN Scholarship  BFCN believes that access to education of all forms is important for the continued success and development of youth in our community. Their Scholarship Program is designed to address a few of the gaps and barriers in order to increase access to post-secondary education and support Black students and their families. 

Deadline: July 31, 2022.

 

SHINE Podcast


Listen to the SHINE Podcast

York Region District School Board has launched a new podcast production, SHINE, that features voices from the Black community. 

A Tune In YRDSB production, SHINE introduces conversations that inspire and challenge. Guests will share their lived experiences, advice, industry expertise and more.

SHINE with Tune In YRDSB

 

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