ETT celebrates Black History Month

Welcome to Blackhurst: An Iconic Toronto Neighbourhood produced by Blackhurst Cultural Centre, formerly A Different Booklist Cultural Centre—The People’s Residence, features the stories of 30 people who lived, owned businesses or continue to call the area their home. Some of the trailblazers featured in this iconic coffee table book includes: civil rights activist Harry Gairey Sr., dentist and art curator Dr. Kenneth Montague, and award-winning jazz artist Molly Johnson, to name a few.
*All proceeds from the sale of the iconic book will go directly to supporting the programs and operating costs of the Blackhurst Cultural Centre.

1. The Black History in Canada Education Guide
  The purpose of this Guide is to enhance your students’ knowledge and appreciation of the Black Canadian experience, drawing from Lawrence Hill’s award-winning historical fiction, The Book of Negroes, the remarkable journey of Aminata Diallo and the historic British document known as the “Book of Negroes.” Structured around themes of journey, slavery, human rights, passage to Canada and contemporary culture, this Guide asks students to examine issues of identity, equality, community, and nation-building in both a historical and contemporary context.

Black History Month Resource Guide for Educators and Families—Center for Racial Justice in Education

Play-based approaches to learning that centre Black brilliance and joy
Join ETT for an exciting learning opportunity to explore a play-based approach to Black History Month using the book The Gift of Playful Learning in Early Childhood Classrooms by ETT members Kenisha Bynoe and Angelique Thompson.The first 25 members to register for the workshop will receive a copy of the book through interoffice mail. This book serves as a comprehensive guide to developing play-based learning experiences as entry points for curriculum content. With these useful strategies and tips, fellow educators Kenisha and Angelique will share how we can implement a child-centered approach to instruction that supports the diverse needs of learners and speaks to multiple identities and lived experiences. Details and registration.

Black Resistance in Public Education
The past few years have redefined what it means to reckon with our past, advocate for better in our present and expand the possibilities for our future. In 2020, the pandemic and summer uprising following attacks against Black people rapidly transformed our lives, exposed the injustices that the powerful few have unleashed since our founding, and opened up the possibility for a radical realignment in our politics in a pivotal election year. Now, advocates have the opportunity to focus public attention on creating a country where everyone is safe and free, with a care system and economy that works for all of us, no exceptions. Join ETT as it hosts these crucially important day and evening events on February 21.
Black authors read-along
Panel discussion/Fireside Chat

Watch the videos from this day’s events

Unpacking the System Through Artistic Expression Workshop – Elementary Teachers of Toronto (ett.ca)
Get ready to paint! ETT welcomes you to register for the Unpacking the System Through Artistic Expression Workshop. This is an interactive workshop, where participants will come together to discuss some of the challenges while considering ways in which practicing art and embracing our own creativity can help support our mental health and well-being journey. Participants will be engaging in painting activities. Details and registration.

Black History Month: an Afro-Indigenous Perspective
Join us for a workshop facilitated by Joy Henderson on the intersections of Indigeneity and Blackness. What does it look like to create a classroom rooted in an anti-racist and anti-colonial practice? How might our pedagogical practices transform to disrupt harmful system norms? Join us for an evening of learning, reflection, and opportunities to grow. Details and registration.

Showing up for Each Other: Building Allyship around Anti-Black Racism, Homophobia, and Transphobia
Join us for a workshop facilitated by Jordyn Samuels on how we can show up for each other, and build allyship around Anti-Black Racism, Homophobia, and Transphobia. The evening will include: a brief presentation on the relationship between Anti-Black Racism, Homophobia, and Transphobia, activities focused on how to use unfamiliar pronouns, and an open conversation around how religion and cultures inform our approach to how we engage with 2SLGBTQ+ students and the importance of supporting them. The session will conclude with tangible next steps on how we can support Black 2SLGBTQ+ students. Details and registration.

The Toronto Workers’ History Project invites you to attend an event to remember Jack White, Toronto civil rights and labour activist, for its 2023 Black History Month event. For more details and to register, click here.

UNDPAD – A National Conversation with Labour (February 16, 2023)
The United Nations Decade for People of African Descent is coming to an end in 2024, how has labour moved the needle on anti-Black racism? Do we need more time?

Please join us for an evening where we will hear from experts from both Labour and Community discussing how the first 8 years of the Decade for People of African Descent has progressed and consider where we need to focus going forward.

RSVP today
Re/Viewing, Re/Visioning, and Re/Imagining Black Canada Symposium University of Toronto/York University are holding a two-day symposium highlighting the latest debates, research and theories informing Black Canadian history/studies. Sign up for one or both days for FREE.Day one registration Thursday, February 2, 2023. Day two registration Friday, February 3, 2023. Download the agenda
Ontario Black History Society Black History Month Kick-Off Brunch
On Sunday, January 29, the Ontario Black History Society holds its 35th annual Black History Month Kick Off Brunch to recognize the histories and achievements of Black Canadians. ETT has 10 tickets available for ETT members to this event. (The first 10 members to register here will be granted a ticket).
Brunch details
Date: January 29, 12:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Location: Exhibition Place, Liberty Grand, 25 British Columbia Road

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