The #marchforblackstudents ran from Toronto City Hall to Queen's Park on August 3rd, the weekend of Emancipation Day, the official end of Black slavery celebrated across the colonial world. The outlining of some very timely demands which support the well-being and advancement of #blackstudents is the foundation of their platform, as these abuses have taken their toll on the Black community and the welfare of its citizens.
We agree that something can and should be done about it.
Some of the demands highlight the need to change the Eurocentric education curriculum and tell the Black story, including the "best-kept secret", the history of slavery in Canada, and the role of several Black pioneers - all of which have intentionally been left out of curriculum. And of course there's the issue of #policefreeschools, as the data shows the presence of police have increased the school to prison pipeline intensely. As well as the need to hire, promote and train more Black teachers, guidance counsellors and trustees for that matter so that marginalized voices are spoken for when decisions around education are made for all in mind.
This is for you, our allies, for parents of black students of all ages, from all boards across the country, and educators who care about the progress of all their students, please forward the list of demands to all your educator friends, parents and community groups where shaping young people is relevant. It will take all of you stakeholders, the students, parents, educators and professional community to come together to ensure the future is brighter, more equitable and that the curriculum reflects the truth of our history and the people who made it. As the future is only as bright as the youth who have truth as their weapon, knowledge as their foundation and the opportunity to make a better tomorrow.