York Region District School Board’s new Centre for Black Student Excellence creates a space committed to the promotion of dismantling anti-Black racism and amplifying voices that have been historically marginalized.
The centre is launching with a new website hub that provides access to videos, podcasts, resources, programs and information, designed to dismantle anti-Black racism and celebrate Black excellence.
“The creation of the Centre for Black Student Excellence reflects our focus on making real and transformative change in our system,” said Cecil Roach, Associate Director of Education. “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.”
“We are excited to introduce this space that celebrates Black voices and Black excellence and provides a hub of information for students, families and community in support of our ongoing work to dismantle anti-Black racism,” Darcie Sutherland, Principal, Dismantling Anti-Black Racism. “We look forward to continuing to grow and enhance this online space.”
“This central hub of information is part of our ongoing work to implement the actions outlined in the Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Strategy,” said Director Louise Sirisko. “It’s been just over one year since we launched the Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Strategy, and while there is still much more work to be done, we can take pride in the steps we have taken as a system to move this work forward.”
The Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Strategy, launched in March 2022, was co-developed by York Region Black community leaders, YRDSB staff and in consultation with students. Visit www.yrdsb.ca/blackexcellence to learn more about the Centre for Black Student Excellence.
York Region District School Board is the third largest school district in Ontario with over 128,000 students in 180 elementary schools and 33 secondary schools. York Region students consistently perform above average in provincial testing and the Board is one of the top achievers in Ontario. For more information about the York Region District School Board, please visit the Board website and follow YRDSB on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.
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