Black History Month

Black Resistance Is…

This year, Thames Valley District School Board is joining community leaders in celebrating Black resistance throughout history and today with the theme, “Black Resistance Is…” This series will highlight the many forms that Black resistance can take, and what it means to students, staff and community in Thames Valley.

A Black teacher teaches a diverse group of smiling students

 Celebrating Black Joy
Black Resistance Is... celebrating #BlackJoy. In 2015, Kleaver Cruz created #TheBlackJoyProject to share moments of Black Joy as a source of “healing, community building and ultimately a contribution to revolutionary practices that will realize global Black liberation.”

Two Black students relaxing on a patterned rug and smiling while reading books.

 #RestIsResistance
Black Resistance Is… captured in the book #RestIsResistance: A Manifesto by Tricia Hersey. “You were not just born to center your entire existence on work and labor. You were born to heal, to grow, to be of service to yourself and community, to practice, to experiment, to create, to have space, to dream, and to connect.”

 A Black student smiles while holding a book with a pair of headphones around their neck.

Showing up authentically and unapologetically
Black Resistance Is… showing up authentically and unapologetically. For Black Canadians, it takes incredible strength and resilience to celebrate your authentic self.

Statement on the meaning of Black Resistance by the Black Student Association at Strathroy District Collegiate Institute

 "A daily battle for acceptance" – BSA at Strathroy District Collegiate Institute

"Black resistance is a daily battle for acceptance, safety, equality, respect and peace. It is our community's constant battle to debunk stereotypes." 

– BSA at Strathroy District Collegiate Institute

Three students smiling at the camera.

 Unity
Black Resistance Is…unity. Coming together to honour your community, and the intersectional identities within the community, is a collective act of Black resistance.

 Black Resistance Is... Statements by the TVDSB BSU

Read more statements by the TVDSB BSU
  • "Black resistance is standing up for our rights through solidarity within the community and beyond."
  • "It’s knowing when to prioritize yourself and your needs and know when to say no."
  • "Means a lot since I am Black and Muslim so I think that Black people should be strong."
  • "Black resistance is the fight against oppression and injustice through activism, culture, and community strength. It’s about resilience, empowerment, and the pursuit of freedom."
  • "Being proud of my heritage and skin no matter what."
  • "Standing up for myself and what I believe in as a Black girl."
  • "Standing up for Black society as a whole and keeping our culture strong."
  • "It means that I’m proud for being Black and always will."
  • "Fighting for Black rights and not being oppressed by the system."
  • "I think Black resistance means the ability that Black people had and will keep having to resist racism and oppression."
  • "Embracing our race and not allowing others to make us feel inferior for it."

– Students of the Thames Valley District School Board BSU

Learning Resources

February is observed as Black History Month at Thames Valley. It is an opportunity to celebrate the many achievements of Black Canadians and a chance to educate our students about the many noteworthy individuals who, throughout history, have had significant impact inducing change in our society.

In consultation with Black administrators, educators and clinical staff, the TVDSB Equity Team has prepared Black History Month resources, virtual class presentations and professional learning opportunities to support learning throughout February and beyond. 

The TVDSB Equity Team would like to thank Thames Valley staff and students for their commitment to embedding learning related to Black history, people and social justice education throughout the school year.

View the Black History School Resource Guide and other resources for staff to support this learning:

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