Black History Month at Blakelock

Written by: Ava Puhlmann

Contributor: Kiana Gordon

Edited by: Vanessa Vamvakaris

Black History Month occurs nationally every February to honour Black communities and people for their accomplishments and contributions. This year at Blakelock, the Black Student Union (BSU) celebrated in many different ways. 

BSU is run by grade 12 students Kiana Gordon and Shahed Siam, as well as teacher supervisor, Mr. Sumner. To start off Black History Month, the BSU met with their grad coach, Mr. G, a new addition to Blakelock’s staff who helps black students overcome challenges. 

At the beginning of February, BSU travelled to Toronto’s Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), specifically the African exhibit on Hip Hop where they interacted with BSU’s from other schools to celebrate black artists through different platforms such as music and art. After the Art Gallery of Ontario, BSU had the option of attending a conference with Halton Black Voices on the subject of mental health. To end off Black history month, BSU had a patty sale to share traditional Caribbean food with Blakelock students. 

When asked about the most important message to share during Black History month, grade 12 student Kiana Gordon, Co-President of the BSU, highlighted the fact February should not be the only time students and citizens should discuss black history. She states, “Black history is just history, and it should be taught in classrooms and history classes.”

Overall, BSU celebrated with food, fun and education during the month of February.