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Black History Month is being recognized across local school boards and the Town of Caledon through a wide range of learning opportunities, community events and celebrations that centre Black history, voices and experiences.
Across the Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB), they say Black History Month is woven into everyday learning through curriculum-embedded lessons, hallway displays, announcements and Black author studies that highlight Black voices and stories. Students are engaging with Black history through read-alouds, research projects, videos and timelines, while also exploring Black brilliance in creative ways such as music studies, language classes focused on Francophone and Spanish-speaking Black artists, and French Immersion research projects. Several schools have partnered with local libraries to host weekly Black author read-alouds, extending learning beyond the classroom and into the community.
Celebration and student voice are key elements of UGDSB’s approach, with schools hosting Black Brilliance assemblies, cultural celebrations and food fairs. Student leadership groups, including Social Justice Clubs, are leading initiatives such as student lunch celebrations and performances like the Black Future Month Show: Black Legacy. Guest speakers are also engaging students and families in conversations about history, culture and empowerment, with learning reflecting an intersectional lens that includes Francophone Black music and connections to International Women’s Day.
At the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board (DPCDSB), Black History Month is grounded in the call to live in solidarity and recognize Black history as Canadian history. The 2026 theme, Black History 365: Inspiring Hope – Reclaiming Narratives, encourages year-round learning that centres Black voices and stories while celebrating truth, joy and resilience. In February and beyond, students will engage with resources and activities that explore the contributions of Black Canadians past and present.
DPCDSB hosted its first-ever virtual Black History Month kickoff on Monday, February 2nd, featuring a brief liturgy, remarks from Dr. Rosemary Sadlier, and presentations by local poets and authors. Throughout the month, virtual learning opportunities will include weekly read-alouds for elementary students by authors such as Tasha Spillett, Yolanda T. Marshall and Khodi Dill. A Black History Month Symposium is planned for Friday, February 27th for secondary Black Student Alliance students and educator leads, focusing on Black joy, legacy and storytelling. The board will also release two new interviews as part of its Black Futures Speakers Series, featuring conversations between students and Black professionals in STEM fields.
In Caledon, Black History Month will be marked with several community events recognizing the achievements and contributions of Black communities. A Black History Month flag raising will take place at Town Hall on Tuesday, February 17th at 12:30 p.m. A community celebration will follow on Saturday, February 21st from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Southfields Community Centre, featuring learning opportunities, conversation and light refreshments.
That same day, Captain (ret’d) Kevin Junor will present an interactive discussion on the history and legacy of the No. 2 Construction Battalion during the First World War, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. at the Southfields Community Centre. Space for the free event is limited.
The African Inventors and Icons Exhibition, hosted by the Canadian Multicultural Inventors Museum, will tour several Caledon locations throughout February, showcasing contributions by innovators of African descent from around the world. Additional programming includes a Black Community and Innovation event at North Peel Community Church on Saturday, February 28th, a panel discussion led by artist Debbie Ebanks at the Peel Art Gallery Museum + Archives in Brampton, and Black History Month book displays and reading lists curated by Caledon Public Library.
Town officials say the events align with Caledon’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion program and reaffirm a commitment to celebrating Black culture, amplifying Black voices and providing opportunities for learning and reflection throughout February and beyond.
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