Black Lives Matter protesters continue to call for changes to Canadian systems and institutions that are rooted in colonialism and that fail to address discrimination and racism.
That includes the education system.
On Saturday, the iLead Youth Centre of Bradford and Parents of Black Children organized a Rally 4 Black Students in Simcoe on the steps of the Simcoe County District School Board office in Midhurst.
Despite the heat, about three dozen people showed up for the rally, some carrying signs calling for the decolonization of Ontario’s curriculum, and changes to show Black students that they matter.
“It’s a start,” said Cheraldean Duhaney, founder of iLead Youth Centre and an organizer of the rally.
She acknowledged that it has been an uphill struggle to have demands for an end to anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism heard by decision-makers.
“We’re very tired, however we must do what we have to do,” Duhamel said. “I’m hopeful that they will hear us, that they will not only consider what we are saying but make changes. We must have change, especially for our next generation.”
There were calls for a new curriculum that would incorporate both Black and Indigenous history; for the hiring of more Black teachers and administrators, so that students can see themselves reflected in daily life; and for accountability for those who make racist comments, who bully and intimidate in the classroom and the schoolyard.
Among those who came out to be heard were a number of Black students attending Bradford District High School, who shared stories of verbal abuse, ridicule and bullying they have faced as young women of colour.
The students called for a greater focus on Black history and achievements as part of the curriculum, “and punishment for people who use racial slurs.”
Too often, it’s the victim who is pressured to be silent, to shrug off hateful speech, they said; and too often, there are no consequences for those who make racist comments.
The rally was a call for board-wide changes – “Just to put some fire and passion, so we can see some change in the schools,” said Fieldcrest Elementary School teacher Michelle Melo, who attended with her daughter. “I’m hoping we can keep the momentum going.”
She pointed to the curriculum, and Black History Month, as an example. Currently, it is up to individual schools and teachers to decide if Black History Month will be taught.
“It needs to be in all schools – mandatory,” said Melo, who sits on the Equity and Inclusion team at Fieldcrest. As well, she added, “It should be mandatory for all schools to have a team like this,” to provide a safe place for all students of colour.
Educational Assistant Gillian Williams agreed. During Black History Month in February, “I see all the pictures on the wall. I see all the advertisements. But Black History, it’s like it doesn’t even exist in the history books. Why not?” Williams said, calling on the board to put theory into practice.
Duhaney welcomed the speakers to the microphone, noting, “This really means a lot to our Black community. This means a lot to our students.”
She told the small crowd, “You may be wondering what we are rallying for. We question ourselves – is this going to get anywhere?”
The answer, Duhaney said, is “Yes. Don’t stop. Don’t quit. Do not quit. We have come this far, and we’re going to continue. We’re going to pave the way for the next generation.”
Her message: “We want to advocate for our Black children. Our students are the future… The system must be re-created.”
The stories shared by the high school students were often emotional and heart-wrenching, highlighting the need for changes.
High school was “nothing like I expected,” said one Grade 11 student, who spoke about coming to school every day, wondering “what people are going to say about me,” and whether she would be ridiculed for her hair, her skin colour, her clothes.
When faced with hateful comments, she said, “anytime we get mad, we are deemed the bad guy.”
Another broke down in tears as she recounted the impact of a racist video, posted to social media, and asked that racial slurs be treated as hate incidents.
The students also called for changes to the curriculum, telling the rally, “We don’t want Black History Month to be the only days highlighting Black excellence.”
“Black Lives Matter, which means that Black history matters,” said a student. “I’m sick of hearing stuff only from the white perspective. All students, not only Black students, will benefit from learning about Black history.”
The youngest speaker was a student in Grade 4. “I have seen racism. I have experienced it, and I have heard it,” she said. “I think it’s just wrong that we should be targeted” because of skin colour.
She called for the removal of police from the schools, even as resource officers, and for more Black teachers, administrators and staff. Right now, she said, “when we Black students have a problem, we are alone.”
“It is important for children to be able to see themselves” in school, said Michelle Melo – who went from Kindergarten to Grade 12 “without a teacher of colour,” and without seeing Blacks represented in books, films or in the classroom.
“We as parents should stand up, come forward. Make sure you put your voice out for your children,” said Williams, noting that too often in the schools, parents and students are told to “never talk about race; we are ‘diverse’.”
She disagreed. “It is about race,” Williams said, urging everyone to “speak with diligence, confidence, and stand your ground.”
Charline Grant, representing Vaughan’s Parents of Black Children, was even more blunt, telling the high school students, “Today is the last day anyone calls you a N*****.”
She urged students to report racism to the school, then to police, as a hate incident. If a comment is made in a public space by a public figure, file a Human Rights complaint, she urged.
“We have to fight back. Enough is enough,” Grant said. “We’ve been talking for a while. We’ve been talking for years. I’m done. It hurts us, and we’re done with it.”
She also urged everyone to participate in an Aug. 3 Provincial March for Black Students, starting at City Hall at 2 p.m., and ending at Queen’s Park, calling for changes to Ontario’s education system and curriculum.
The change announced so far by Education Minister Stephen Lecce, ending streaming and student suspensions in Grades K-3, "doesn't go far enough,” Grant said, calling on the minister to address teacher bias, racism in schools, the lack of Black history in the curriculum and Black teachers in the classrooms.
“For the first time ever, people are going to march for Black students,” said Grant, who took on the York Region District School Board, over systemic racism. Parents are demanding change, no longer willing to accept “the crumbs… off Massa’s table,” she said.
“There’s no change unless there’s accountability,” she said, noting that some of the changes will need to be legislated. She warned: “If you’re not with us, get out of the way.”
Barrie activist Shelly Skinner spoke of the racism and "colourism" that exists in Simcoe County communities, and challenged parents.
“It is your responsibility to make sure your children are treated fairly,” she said, especially mixed-race children who may be confused and need to feel pride in their identity.
“I’m here because it is necessary. I’m here because I’m sick and tired of the pain of my brothers and sisters,” said Skinner. And, she said, “my heart breaks” for today’s students who are still experiencing racial slurs.
Among those at the rally were Chris Hadfield Public School principal Robin Dashnay, and SCDSB Superintendent of Schools, Daryl Halliday.
“We’re here to hear what the requests are,” said Halliday, promising to listen.
“It’s about the partnerships and learning from the community - having those conversations, even if those conversations are difficult,” said Dashnay. “We have to give our students the power to name it, to feel comfortable coming to us.”
Dashnay thanked the speakers. “It’s opened my eyes a lot. I have to do what I did today, listen to stories. Be better. Be more open. And give these opportunities for students to speak. What I saw today took a lot of courage.”
He acknowledged a need for change. “I need people to tell me, here’s what we need to move forward. We have to do better.”
One father of a Black student concluded, “Racism is real. Systemic racism is real. Discrimination is real. It has to change… The world needs to own it: Yes, it happened. It’s still happening.”
“This is important,” said Duhaney, as the rally wrapped up. “Our children’s lives depend on this. That’s why we’re here today.”
