Community Engagement

Community Engagement

The Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement recognizes that the process of dismantling anti-Black racism and improving outcomes for Black students requires the ongoing collaboration and support of families, communities and partner organizations. The Centre of Excellence aims to be responsive to the voices of Black communities who continue to advocate for systemic change within educational institutions through strategic community engagement initiatives and educational partnerships.

Community Consultations

Community consultations and focus groups are conducted throughout the year to provide families an opportunity to engage with the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement and staff of the TDSB. Families are able to share their experiences engaging with their school community and discuss how the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement can support their needs.

TDSB Human Library Podcast

The TDSB Human Library Podcast: Conversations around Black Student Success and Excellence is a series of 15-minute audio episodes hosted by Shayle Graham.

The podcast introduces listeners to leading scholars, emerging thinkers, and fellow educators passionate about creating learning spaces dedicated to Black student success, well-being and positive racial identity. Each episode will highlight strategies that support meaningful engagement and advocacy of caregivers and communities and offers up guidance on how to navigate the education system.

Listen to season two of the TDSB Human Library Podcast: Conversations around Black Student Success and Excellence now!

Events

A variety of events supporting community involvement are held throughout the year. View our launch event for the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement.

Virtual Screening: Wanda Robson

You’re invited! Join the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement for a screening of Wanda Robson and a Q & A with co-producers Donna Harrow and Aaron Weiss. Wanda Robson, sister of Viola Desmond, was an educator and civil rights activist. This video documents their experiences with racism over decades in Canada and serves as a historical artifact. Wanda Robson, a Canadian icon, provides guidance as to what should be done moving forward.

Audience: TDSB Staff, Students, and Community
Date: May 31, 2023
Time: 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Register here

Healing Engagement Series - Navigating the System: Mental Health and Wellness for Black Parents/Caregivers

Join us for the first session of our Healing Centred Engagement series hosted by Social Workers from the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement. This session will feature a panel conversation with Black professionals and Black-serving organizations on supporting the mental health and well-being of Black students and their families.

In this session Black parents/caregivers will:

• Explore the impact of systemic anti-Black racism on mental health.
• Build tools for nurturing joy and wellness.
• Learn strategies on how to support a child’s well-being.
• Engage in knowledge sharing of Black-affirming mental health programs and services.

Audience: TDSB Parents, Caregivers
Date: June 1, 2023
Time: 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Register here

International Decade for People of African Descent: The African Spirit, Race Consciousness, and Self Actualization of Black Youth

Join the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement for an intimate discussion with Dr. Wendell Nii Laryea Adjetey! In this session, Dr. Adjetey will discuss the themes of pride, service, community, social entrepreneurship, and the value of history to African peoples. Participants will gain a better understanding of Pan-Africanism and unity as a common purpose at home and abroad. Wendell Nii Laryea Adjetey is an award-winning historian, humanitarian, and social entrepreneur whose scholarship and commitment to social change bridge North America, Africa, and the wider African Diaspora.

Audience: Caregivers, Community, Staff
Date: June 7, 2023
Time: 6 - 7:30 p.m.
Register here

NCCM: Culturally Responsive Healing - Black Muslims

You’re invited! Join us as we explore culturally responsive healing for Black Muslims through engaging in critical learning and discussion around events that have a direct impact on the safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and families. The session will offer practical strategies, resources, and recommendations to help educators create safe and inclusive learning environments that effectively support students who have been impacted by Anti-Black Islamophobia. By emphasizing the importance of self-reflection and self-care attendees will be encouraged to identify their own biases and explore how to engage in self-care practices to foster resilience in the face of challenging situations.

Audience: Students, Staff, Caregivers
Date: June 8, 2023
Time: 6 – 7 p.m.
Register here

Black Student Achievement Community Advisory Committee (BSACAC)

Established in 2016, BSACAC’s mandate is to examine and make recommendations on strategies to create more equitable outcomes, raise achievement levels and create safe spaces for Black students.

The BSACAC supports the Board’s ongoing commitment to work in partnership with its parents/guardians, communities and students to improve educational outcomes for Black students.

Dr. Carl James Parent Engagement Sessions

Dr. Carl James, York University’s Jean Augustine Chair, has been engaging in parent engagement workshops across the BSSE schools. Dr. James’ sessions have reached families and caregivers across all four Learning Centres within the TDSB.