Ecole Olds High School explores Black history in Canada

École Olds High School students and the community celebrated Canada’s Black History Month by learning more about the past and its impact on people today. The school invited guest speaker Omari Newton, and the organization he represents - Overture with the Arts - to speak with several student groups, as well as at a community event.

Newton, who is also a professor at the Vancouver Film School, spoke to Grade 9 students about Black history in Canada, and about neighborhoods and people with Black roots.

Jana Kemmere, Vice Principal of Ecole Olds High School, says, “Students enjoyed hearing stories
and celebrations of Black Canadians and their contributions, and understanding their challenges because of racial segregation or discrimination.

“As a school and community, we are now more aware of these contributions, such as Thornton and Lucie Blackburn, and how they escaped into slavery in the United States twice before creating Toronto’s first taxi service. It was interesting that Thornton designed the first taxi to be yellow and red, and taxis in Toronto today remain those colours. This story and others helped us celebrate the positive and unique stories often left out of history textbooks,” says Kemmere.

This presentation was also shared with the community on the evening of February 26.

“History books often don’t mention the contributions of Black people in Canada,” says Newton. “I believe it's important to spread awareness of these contributions, especially because youth today don’t have personal experience with racism in our past. For instance, we don’t remember what it was like to have segregated schools.”

Grade 10 to 12 students participated in a presentation called “Unpacking the N-word”. Newton says students hear the N-word in rap music or when playing popular video games online, and “they might not understand where that word came from.” Newton says he hopes that by helping students to understand the harm associated with the word, students will choose not to use it.

Grade 12 student Milo W. says, “I think it was a really important presentation. We need to understand how expansive slurs were. I didn’t realize how ingrained [in popular culture] they
are.”

Grade 11 student Rhianon D., says “I was happy to see this presentation today, but it was heavy too. I am glad we are trying to make it better.”

“When we know words hurt others, then we can choose not to use them,” says Bev Toews, Academic Coach at EOHS, who was involved in inviting Newton to the school. “Using respectful language makes our school and community safe for everyone. It’s being kind.” Toews says she finds opportunities like this one are powerful for students, because they walk away with a deeper
understanding.