The first in-person meeting of the Ottawa Catholic School Board’s Black Student Forum was a successful event full of joy and energy. The student-led event was held in the main boardroom at the Catholic Education Centre (CEC). Students shared their thoughts and experiences as the sound of upbeat music filled the room. At lunch, the rhythm continued as the sounds of the Kamengo Cultural Troupe made waves through the cafeteria.
In the afternoon, students continued the event with group presentations on Peer Mentorship, Mental Health, and Black Joy. As the end of the event drew near, Melody Berhane from Immaculata High School shared a song in a musical performance. The event closed with a speech from the Director of Education, Tom D’Amico and a keynote presentation from Chuks Imahiagbe from the OCSB’s Black Educators Network.
Your voice matters.
The Black Student Forum is a space to share ideas amongst peers while helping to develop the foundation that educates staff on the everyday experience of Black Students in our community. As Black History Month continues, we encourage all interested students to join their home school’s Black Student Association (BSA). We would like to see our BSAs continue to provide support, mentorship and growth opportunities for all our students.