Black History Month: Through the Lens of Resistance

2/26/2025

Tihmily Li, Communications Officer

February is recognized as Black History Month in Canada. Every February, Greenwood’s programming gives our school community the opportunity to celebrate the impact and legacy of Black people in Canada. For this year’s Black History Month, the theme for our programming is centred around “Resistance”. Ms. Whittingham, Direction of Inclusion, Belonging and Pluralism, introduced the theme and the month’s programming at February 3’s morning assembly while also reflecting on her own experiences growing up in a small town and her identity as a biracial woman.

Every student received a “passport” with listed activities that they could get a stamp for if they participated. For each stamp, the students could earn more House points. These activities included:

A Kahoot! trivia game that tested students’ knowledge of Black athletes and how their acts of resistance created change in their communities.
An Arts Everywhere collage-making activity focused on Black activists and their contributions towards the Civil Rights Movement in Canada and abroad.
Learning about a local Black-owned business, Butter and Spice, as well as sampling the delicious treats.

In addition to these activities, there are Community Time workshops for the students to deepen their understanding of Black culture and forms of resistance. The Grades 7 to 9 students’ workshop on Tuesday, February 25 delved into the significance of hair, braiding and other protective hairstyles for Black communities. The Grades 10 to 12 workshop on February 27 will explore topics about bias, cultural humility and stereotypes.

Greenwood parents and guardians are celebrating Black History Month with a sold-out Roundtable event at a local art gallery.

Thank you to all who organized the activities this Black History Month!

Back

Charissa Whittingham speaks at assembly on February 3 to introduce Black History Month.
IBP Committee Execs, Lucy Lapowich '25 (left) and Mel Edgell '25 (right) speak at assembly on February 3 to introduce the Black History Month's theme of resistance.
Two students participate in an activity at February 3's assembly to demonstrate the theme of resistance.
Students partake in a Kahoot! trivia game hosted by the IBP Committee.
Students create collages with Arts Everywhere to highlight the notable figures in the Civil Rights Moment.
Grades 7 to 9 students participate in a workshop on February 25 about the importance of hair and braiding in Black cultures.

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Greenwood College School

443 Mount Pleasant Road
Toronto, ON M4S 2L8
Tel: 416 482 9811

We acknowledge with gratitude the Ancestral lands upon which our main campus is situated. These lands are the Ancestral territories of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, Anishinabek and the Wendake. The shared responsibility of this land is honoured in the Dish with One Spoon Treaty and we strive to care for the land, the waters, and all creatures in the spirit of peace. We are responsible for respecting and supporting the enduring presence of all First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples. When away from this campus we vow to be respectful to the land by protecting and honouring it. We will create relationships with the people and the land we may visit by understanding the territories we enter and the nations who inhabit them.