Black History Month: Meaningful Reflections

During Junior School Assembly on February 17^th, Grade 11 students Catherine Banda and Henry Ojinere, along with Grade 9 student, Tony Ojinere, and Grade 8 student Gabrielle Shaw, provided a special presentation in honour of Black History Month. 

Catherine, Henry and Tony explained the history and significance of Black History Month started by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, an African American, in 1926 and evolving to current day contributions.  “The Future is Now” is the theme for 2021, and the students did an excellent job highlighting the ongoing transformative work of past and present African Americans.  From Malcolm X to Martin Luther King Junior to Maya Angelou, profiles of powerful cultural figures were highlighted.

Gabby’s presentation focused specifically on Nova Scotia Black history.   Her research was comprehensive, beginning with the arrival of the Black Loyalists in the province and moving through to the injustices of Africville and the mistreatment of civil rights activist Viola Desmond.  Gabby also profiled the lives of World Bantam Weight Boxing Champion George Dixon, the Victoria Cross recipient William Hall, and the publisher and human rights activist Dr. Carrie Best. 

It was an excellent lesson in Black history for all, and I thank Catherine, Henry, Tony and Gabby for their leadership and the opportunity for us to pause, reflect and be inspired.