Catholic Teachers Mark Black History Month

“As Catholic teachers, we are proud to honour Black History Month in our classrooms, schools, and communities. This is a time to celebrate the rich histories, achievements, and cultural contributions of Black people, and to recognize the vital role they continue to play in shaping a more just, compassionate, and inclusive society. It is also a moment to acknowledge that these contributions have too often gone unrecognized.

As an Association, we recognize the value and opportunity for learning within our duty under the Ontario Human Rights Code to confront discrimination in all its forms, including anti-Black racism, and to ensure our work is intentional and rooted in lasting impact. Dreams Delayed, a 2025 report on systemic anti-Black racism from the Ontario Human Rights Commission, affirmed what Black teachers, students, and families have long known: Black communities continue to face the lasting impacts of systemic anti-Black racism. We can build better communities through sustained action across Ontario’s publicly funded education system.

Black History Month calls us not only to celebrate Black excellence, but to reflect honestly on our shared responsibility to challenge injustice. Eliminating anti-Black racism is not work that can be done by one organization alone. It requires collaboration, accountability, and sustained commitment from all education stakeholders.
Let us use this month to honour Black voices, amplify Black leadership, and recommit ourselves to building an education system that truly reflects the dignity, identity, and worth of every student and teacher. Moving forward, Catholic teachers will continue to match our words with action and remain committed to the value of equity and justice, not only in February, but every day of the year.”

- René Jansen in de Wal, President of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association