Families, students, educators, and community members gathered at Winston Churchill Collegiate Institute on June 20, 2026, to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Toronto District School Board's Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement. The Community Appreciation Event recognized the partnerships, advocacy, and collective leadership that continue to make the Centre of Excellence possible and shape its work.
The free celebration marked an important milestone while expressing gratitude to Black parents, caregivers, students, educators, and community advocates whose decades of organizing and persistence helped establish the Centre of Excellence. Their efforts laid the foundation for a dedicated space focused on improving outcomes for Black students and advancing educational equity across the TDSB.
The school grounds came alive with activities for all ages, including inflatables, carnival games, face painting, basketball, giant Connect 4, and a sports zone. Reggaecise sessions encouraged movement, wellness, and connection, while music, food, and conversation reflected the Centre of Excellence's commitment to fostering belonging both inside and outside the classroom.
Among those in attendance were former Ontario cabinet minister Zanana Akande and Dr. Carl James, Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community & Diaspora at York University. Their participation as members of the Elders Council underscored the importance of community leadership in advancing opportunities for Black students and families.
While the event celebrated five years of progress, it also honoured the history behind the creation of the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement. The Centre of Excellence exists because of sustained community advocacy calling for systemic change within the Toronto District School Board. That vision continues to guide its work today through nine guiding mandates that inform programs, partnerships, and initiatives supporting Black student achievement and well-being while addressing systemic barriers. Through culturally responsive practices and meaningful engagement with families and community organizations, the Centre of Excellence continues to create learning environments where Black students can thrive.
The Community Appreciation Event brought these values to life. Families strengthened connections, educators built relationships beyond the classroom, and community partners reaffirmed their shared commitment to educational excellence. More than a celebration, the event demonstrated the power of collaboration in creating meaningful and lasting change.
As the Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement marks its first five years, the anniversary is both a celebration of progress and a reminder that the pursuit of educational equity continues. The Centre of Excellence extends its sincere appreciation to everyone whose dedication has helped build a lasting legacy of opportunity, belonging, and excellence for current and future generations of Black students.