“As Catholic teachers, we have a duty to embrace Black History Month in our classrooms, to celebrate the rich history and contributions of Black people, who have helped to build a more diverse, prosperous, and beautiful society, and to address and reflect upon Canada’s history of racism.

We will continue to do everything we can in our schools and communities, to challenge and deconstruct systemic anti-Black racism, as we work towards a Canada free from racial discrimination and hatred.

Black History Month is a powerful reminder of the ongoing need to address and call out injustice, and to recognize how hate and discrimination have caused deep pain in Black communities, just as it is a time to honour the rich contributions of Black Canadians, past and present.

Catholic teachers are committed to combatting all forms of anti-Black racism in our schools, communities, and beyond. This Black History Month, and every day, we reaffirm our commitment to racial justice, anti-racism, and anti-oppression, as we honour the legacy of Black people in our union, our communities, and beyond.”

- Barb Dobrowolski, President of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers’ Association