Conseil scolaire du Grand Nord Marks Black History Month
February 1, 2022
Conseil scolaire du Grand Nord Marks Black History Month
The Conseil scolaire public du Grand Nord de l’Ontario (CSPGNO) is marking Black History Month by reminding students of its commitment to combating racism against Black people.
During the month of February and throughout the year, students and staff members of the Conseil scolaire du Grand Nord will take part in various activities to raise awareness about anti-Black and systemic racism. In fact, a virtual panel discussion on anti-Black racism is scheduled for Wednesday, February 23 from 3:30 pm to 5 pm to allow for a conversation on this topic. A total of five panelists, Mimitall Barry, a grade 12 student from É. S. Macdonald-Cartier, Matthias Takouda Pawoumodom, a parent from Conseil scolaire du Grand Nord, Laura Ganyo, Conseil scolaire du Grand Nord’s Superintendent of Education, Marc Gauthier, Conseil scolaire du Grand Nord’s Director of Education, and Papa Ladjiké Diouf, a community member and expert in mental health and racism will speak on the topic.
In addition, a new Conseil scolaire du Grand Nord initiative called “Voir Grand”/”Seeing Big” will take place on February 16. This activity, which aims to inform, motivate and celebrate youth through arts and culture, will be broadcast on the Animation culturelle 2.0 Facebook page starting at 1:35 pm. Its first edition, hosted by Sudbury-based professional comedian Elsa Simbagoye, will feature performances by Yao, Le FLO FRANCO, Le R Premier and Funk Lion.
Also, on February 10th and 11th, all grades 9 to 12 Conseil scolaire du Grand Nord high schools students will participate in a virtual writing workshop on racism with the artist Yao to raise awareness on anti-black racism.
All three initiatives are in keeping with Conseil scolaire du Grand Nord’s mandate to condemn and eliminate all forms of racial discrimination. Black History Month is an opportune time to raise awareness among students and staff about the injustices experienced by black people, to condemn discriminatory practices that continue to exist in today’s world, but also a time to promote and celebrate the richness and diversity that surrounds us.
“CSPGNO’s schools and workplaces are home to students and staff members from the Black community and they contribute to Conseil scolaire du Grand Nord’s success. Conseil scolaire du Grand Nord is committed to doing whatever it takes to ensure that these individuals feel supported, included, and fulfilled as part of our larger family. It is by working together that we are able to provide a safe and healthy environment in which each individual can flourish and reach his or her full potential,” says Marc Gauthier, Director of Education.
Recognized for its keen sense of innovation and openness to the world, Conseil scolaire du Grand Nord offers a French-language public education of the highest quality in fourteen elementary schools and eight secondary schools in the communities of Markstay, Noëlville, Greater Sudbury, Blind River, Elliot Lake, Sault Ste. Marie, Wawa, Dubreuilville, Marathon, Manitouwadge and Longlac.
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