TDSB African Heritage Month

During the month of February, the TDSB proudly recognizes African Heritage Month. It is an occasion to celebrate the many achievements and contributions of peoples of African descent to Canada and the world. The chosen theme for 2021-2022 is NIA: Walking in Our Purpose.
The first Black Canadian woman elected to Parliament, the Honourable Jean Augustine, introduced a motion to recognize February as Black History Month. The motion was carried unanimously by the House of Commons. In December 1995, the House of Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month in Canada. At the Toronto District School Board, a motion to recognize African Heritage (Black History) Month was carried in January 2002 and reaffirmed again in January 2004.

The poster for this year’s celebration was created by students under the leadership of their teacher, Matthew Chapman, from Downsview Secondary Schools in 2020.  It has been updated to showcase this year’s theme NIA: Walking in Our Purpose. Five principles of Kwanzaa are presented in this painting: Umoja (unity) the tattoo; Nia (purpose) the logo on the shoe; Kuumba (creativity) the logo on the shirt; Imani (faith) the brand tag on the hijab; Kujichagulia (self determination) found in the fabric of one of the shirts.

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