Ontario to introduce Black history lessons in Grade 7, 8 and 10

The achievements and contributions of the Black community will soon be a part of Ontario’s history curriculum for students in Grades 7, 8 and 10.

“Celebrating the remarkable achievements of the Black community within Canadian history is vital to providing a modern curriculum that reflects the truth of our democracy, one that combats hate and fosters inclusivity,” said MPP Patrice Barnes (Ajax), parliamentary assistant to Education Minister Stephen Lecce and a former long-time Durham public school board trustee.

The province will consult with historians and experts before rolling out the new mandatory lessons in September 2025.

Barnes made the announcement Thursday morning in her riding at Lincoln Alexander Public School — named after Canada’s first Black member of Parliament and cabinet minister, and the province’s first and only Black lieutenant-governor — as classrooms across Ontario celebrate Black History Month.

 

 

Alexander’s granddaughter Erika Alexander was also on hand for the event.

“As a mother and an advocate for student success, I understand the critical importance of ensuring that our educational system reflects the via diverse experiences and histories of our students,” Barnes said. “But this is not just about Black experiences; it’s not just about Black students. It’s about the responsibility we have to provide all students with a comprehensive understanding of our country’s rich and varied history.”

And “when students see themselves reflected in their curriculum and surroundings, it strengthens their sense of identity, pride and self esteem. We want our students to feel empowered and engaged, knowing that their experiences and backgrounds are respected and celebrated in the classroom,” she said.

“Black students need to know their ancestry is more than slavery. It’s a story of survival, resilience and perseverance.”

Carl James, a professor in the faculty of education at York University who holds the Jean Augustine chair in education, community and diaspora, said this is an area that’s been “overlooked from the time we’ve started to talk about Canadian studies or Canadian history” and he hopes it is embedded in the curriculum and not just an add-on.

“What we have been constructing in this Canadian history all these years has omitted the important contributions of other people, including Black people … I see this as what has been the missing information in mainstream Canadian history.”

Lecce called the change “long overdue.”

 

 

“I often say the greatest weapon against division and hate is education,” he said Thursday, noting the “history of the Black community precedes Canada’s founding.”

This is one of several recent curriculum announcements by the province, including mandatory lessons on the Holocaust that Lecce announced last November, and his previous requirement for similar lessons for elementary students.

He’s also introduced lessons on the Holodomor famine and the persecution of Ukrainians as part of learning about political extremism.

Kathy McDonald, who chairs the Black trustees’ caucus of the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association, said that “learning about the Black experience, both past and present, will help all students move beyond the awareness that celebrating Black History Month entails.”

Lecce has promised curriculum reviews and updates in all areas every five years.

 

This article was reported  by The Star