As Black Historical past Month celebrations drew to a detailed at George Brown School (GBC), “Black Futures” stands as an progressive frontline drive for the school’s Black neighborhood. Their work goals to eradicate anti-Black racism, champion transformation, and foster an inclusive surroundings for Black college students, workers, school, and allies inside GBC.
Their mission is to nurture and empower the Black neighborhood at GBC with intentional connections, relationships, and help methods, in an effort to eradicate systemic boundaries which have lengthy harmed Black individuals in larger training settings. That is accomplished by establishing and sustaining Black-centric packages, neighborhood areas, initiatives, and instruments, whereas drawing upon the varied intersectional richness inside the neighborhood and embracing the expansive id of Blackness.
Black Futures straight helps and contributes to GBC’s Technique 2026, Anti-Racism Motion Plan, and the Scarborough Constitution. They implement their actions via a phased strategy, working throughout two key areas: educational analysis and programming, and empowering the neighborhood via initiatives designed to permit Blacks to thrive.
Throughout Black Futures Month 2024, the significance of Black historical past, particularly Canadian Black historical past, was highlighted. Occasions included keynote speeches and discussions by famend people corresponding to D’bi Younger Anitafrika, Dr. Mary Anne Chambers, and Wes Corridor. Moreover, a four-part documentary collection, “BLK: An Origin Story,” aired, exploring the untold tales of Black Canadians.
The school additionally delved into the nuanced layers of Land Acknowledgments via the lens of Black Canadians, emphasizing the significance of private id. The Black x Disabled Freedom House facilitated discussions on the impacts of being African/Caribbean/Black and having a incapacity in the neighborhood.
Plans had been additionally introduced for Black Futures Initiatives at GBC, together with renovations for secure areas for Black college students, staff, and school, mentorship packages, worker useful resource teams, educational and analysis activations, and extra.
The opening of the Black Pupil Success Community House at St. James Campus supplied a secure house for Black college students to attach, study, and loosen up, providing mentoring, tutoring, social actions, and sources.
GBC alumna Rokhaya (Rok) Gueye launched her dream profession as a carpenter, greater than twenty years after graduating from the Building Engineering Technician program at GBC. Wes Corridor shared his story of private triumph throughout a fireplace chat, reflecting on his life, struggles as a Black particular person in finance, and his work with the BlackNorth Initiative.
As GBC concluded its Black Futures Month 2024, they mirrored on their achievements, challenges, and continued dedication to eradicating anti-Black racism and fostering a extra inclusive and equitable future for all at George Brown School.
