The Ottawa Catholic School Board’s Black Employee Network (BEN) hosted its inaugural conference at the Catholic Education Centre, and the day left a mark on everyone who took part. Centred on the theme “Affirming Black Voices through Opening Doors, Building Bridges, and Nourishing New Beginnings to Foster Collective Strength,” the gathering reminded us that change isn’t abstract. It happens when people come together, listen with open hearts, and take action.
A Morning of Inspiration
The day began with moments that grounded us in community. Indigenous Education Coordinator, Alanna Trines offered greetings and did a drum song, Patrice Hall-Johnson led an Afrocentric acknowledgment, and Faith Animator Geoff Guitard lifted us in prayer. Director of Education Mary Donaghy welcomed everyone, followed by BEN co-chairs Chuks Imahiagbe and Patrice Hall-Johnson, who spoke with conviction about the power of the network.
And then came the voices that matter most – our students. Their reflections were heartfelt and honest, a reminder that the work of equity and belonging is not optional. It is urgent. The keynote conversation with Camille Williams-Taylor, Director of Education at the Durham District School Board, and Tyrone Dowling, retired Catholic Director of Education at the Waterloo Catholic District School Board, challenged us all to think differently about what it truly means to open doors and build bridges in education.
Workshops that Empower
Workshops deepened the conversation, with sessions on allyship and cultural humility, the Black-Francophone experience, strategies to strengthen Black student voice, and building lasting change.
One of the day’s most joyful moments came through drumming. Express Yourself through Rhythms!, led by Jennifer Martinez and students from St. Matthew High School, filled the room with Afro-Caribbean beats that reminded us that joy and belonging are built in community.
Building Bridges Together
The learning didn’t stop in workshops. Over lunch and in closing reflections, people shared stories, made connections, and committed to carrying this work forward. It became clear that this conference was not just an event. It was a call to action.
