The Board’s Strategic Plan for 2022-2025 includes implementing strategies to support equity-seeking groups, including Black students. Three strategies that focus on the empowerment of youth to make a difference include the establishment of Black Student Associations in our high schools (BSAs), the annual student-led Black Student Forum (BSF), and the Black Student Advisory Council (BSAC).
The Ottawa Catholic School Board’s Black Student Associations offer a place where students can share their experiences, learn from each other and grow together. To celebrate Black excellence within their school communities, the BSAs and OCSB Black Educator Network (BEN) created an impactful video that provides information about the events and efforts of the associations and highlights global issues that impact the Black community.
In November 2021, the Ottawa Catholic School Board’s Black Student Forum event provided Black students across the Board with the opportunity to meet virtually and give voice to their collective experiences and efforts within their school communities, as well as share their ideas for better inclusion of Black culture and support in education. In the video below, Grade 12 students Christine Jean-Julien and Temitayo Oyenola share some of their experiences with the Immaculata High School Black Student Association and the positive impact of this year’s Black Student Forum.
The conversations at the Black Student Forum helped inspire the creation of the OCSB Black Student Advisory Council, composed of students from several Black Student Associations. These students have been integral in discussions that have led to adjustments of policies.
As part of Black History Month, the Ottawa Catholic School Board highlighted the efforts of employees who have championed Black Excellence over the years. These champions engaged students by nurturing their dreams, amplifying their voices, and supporting them on their pathways. We honoured 19 OCSB employees nominated by students and staff board-wide for their dedication to our community and, more importantly, our students.