Throughout February, schools across the Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) have been honouring Black History Month (BHM) and celebrating Black excellence through a variety of immersive and engaging events. These initiatives have provided students and staff with meaningful opportunities to learn, reflect, and recognize the contributions of Black individuals in our communities and beyond.
One of the standout events took place last week at St. David Catholic Secondary School, where students and staff were invited to attend an insightful discussion led by a distinguished panel of speakers. The event featured Vicki Olatundun, Allen Magama, and Aminka Belvitt—three inspiring individuals who shared their experiences, knowledge, and powerful messages with students.
Each speaker brought a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to the discussion. Vicki Olatundun, the executive director of a non-profit organization, is also a TEDx speaker and author, known for her passionate advocacy and leadership. Allen Magama, a well-known Kitchener-Waterloo area speaker and community advocate, shared his insights on the power of representation and advocacy. Aminka Belvitt, an award-winning entrepreneur, was recently named among Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women and the Top 100 Most Accomplished Black Women in Canada. Together, they engaged students in a dynamic discussion that encouraged critical thinking and open dialogue on the importance of Black history, identity, and community empowerment.
Following the event, we spoke with several students about why participating in Black History Month celebrations is so important to them.
Raven Leach, a member of the Student Equity and Engagement Committee (SEEC), reflected on the progress made in recognizing and amplifying Black voices:
“Participating in this event is important because it shows the progress that we have made over time and how far we’ve come to be able to celebrate Black voices. Years ago, this wouldn’t have been able to happen.”
Ava Jackson, event co-host and fellow SEEC member, highlighted the significance of representation and open conversation:
“Our school needed someone to tell them that it’s okay to express their feelings about being students of colour and that it’s okay to feel certain ways. I wanted to represent Black students, especially biracial students, at our school.”
Vanessa Gift-Okorie, also a SEEC member and event Co-Host, emphasized the impact of the discussion:
“I think participating in this event was important because it is nice to see that people care about it. Even after I finished hosting, people came up and chatted to me who wouldn’t have done that before. It raised awareness for people and people actually listened, so that was really nice.”
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the panelists, students, and staff who made this event possible, and to all those who have contributed to Black History Month celebrations across WCDSB. As the month comes to a close, we remain committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment where all voices are valued, and where the rich history and contributions of Black individuals continue to be recognized and celebrated year-round.
