PAS B.S.A Vision:

The Black Student Alliance at PAS North is a student-led group dedicated to supporting the needs, interests, and accomplishments of Black students within our community. By empowering voices, providing enriching opportunities, and inspiring senses of belonging, the BSA at PAS North is committed to fostering equity, inclusion, and Black student success. Through ongoing initiatives such as group discussions, workshops, school assemblies, guest speakers, and presentations, the Black Student Alliance will work to challenge anti-Black racism, ameliorate conditions within the Black community, and further excellence for our students of colour.

PAS B.S.A Activities Write-Up:

Since its inception, the members of PAS North’s Black Student Alliance have engaged in multiple activities and initiatives exploring Black culture and history, addressing issues such as mental health among Black communities, and promoting anti-racism within our school. Through a series of educational posters and social media posts, the BSA has highlighted Black Canadian history and the amazing contributions of Black individuals.

In attending a Black Flourishing virtual event with guest speakers as well as a Center for Addiction and Mental Health workshop on racism and mental health, the BSA has made an effort to address and learn about important issues within Black communities. The BSA has championed anti-racism through the creation of an anti-racism video for PAS North as well as journal writing activities involving Tiffany Jewell's book "This Book is Anti-Racist". At a school-wide lunch event, the BSA celebrated African and Afro-Caribbean culinary culture by sharing and enjoying various foods with students and staff. Finally, the BSA has fostered a strong sense of community among its members through designing unique BSA t-shirts and organizing get-togethers.

Topics the BSA has explored:

• Canadian Black History

• Notable Black Canadians

• Mental Health issues

• Being an anti-racist

Actions:

1. Posting Black contributions on PAS social media pages

2. Black Canadian History bulletin board

3. creating a sense of community with BSA members

4. designing T-shirts with unique logos

5. Journal writing with Tiffany Jewell’s book, This Book is Anti-Racist

6. Sharing a variety of African and Afro-Caribbean foods with students and staff.

7. Attending Black Flourishing virtual events with guest speakers Bee Quammie & Fenton Jagdeo Jr.

8. Discussing Mental Health Issues - attending a CAMH workshop on Racism and Mental Health Workshop on April 29th

9. Involved in creating an anti-racism video for the school