Technolandy

Day 83 (of 2024/25) #BlackExcellenceDay

18 school districts – including sign language interpreters – joining us to make this an inclusive event! Www.blackexcellenceday.ca

Sam Darkoh is our emcee (Riverdale!!) 

Love that we are starting with Carolyn Roberts – Re-storying Education is her latest book helping with decolonizing education. Always love how she shares the message about learning more about the land and the people living on the land we share – especially the story(s) that have not been told! Including the intersection of anti-black racism that still exists; and the horrible impact it has on people that builds on the forced migration that has also occurred. We need to stand in solidarity with our BIPOC communities (in case you’ve seen that acronym but not sure what it is: Black Indigenous People Of Colour

Who are the voices we are not hearing from?

Kristin Schnider – Burnaby Board Chair reminding us to think of our land and reflect on the people who have been on our lands since time immemorial. Change requires everyone – especially youth!

Fabulous voices sharing on how empowering black youth continues to grow, but still has a lot of potential. Fabulous share by a student who won a speech contest (missed her name) emphasizing how identity matters (seems to be a theme of 2025 as it resonated with me with my recent reading of Andy Hargreaves Age of Identity: https://technolandy.com/2025/01/06/day-77-of-2024-25-the-age-of-identity-top-of-my-must-read-recommendation-to-educators-to-kick-off-2025-thank-you-hargreavesbc-dennisshipley16/

Honourable Judge David St Pierre was interviewed by a couple of students – sharing how important school can be to get into law. And the importance of diversifying the bench (group of judges) only benefits everyone. More diverse backgrounds and experiences growing up! Even shared an example of (as I heard from social media US Judge David Fleischer about being  ‘arrested for walking while black’)

Julian Christmas (poet in residence at Vancouver Art Gallery) great performance of “they said we would not need life jackets on dry land” and student sharing how poetry, including dub poetry can be a powerful storytelling strategy.. while challenging systemic racism. And not just about resistance, about connections. But also a way to talk about social justice and JEDI (justice Equity Diversity Inclusion) generally and specifically. 

Valerie Jerome track and field icon (and teacher et al) interview. Amazing history and how author. Loves being a mother (and teacher) the most. And we as teachers can always do more anti-racist work. And athletics out to always be encouraged…! 

Michael Newman sharing how important mindfulness is and understanding others. Being present helps make sense of the world. Going into media? Know your self – what is your core “why” (aside: my own social media presence is not to hit a target number of followers…). Practice storytelling using phone and computer! It does help create content (art and media)

What is Black Excellence? Not about comparison, but motivated by self – knowing my intention and aspiration (what’s not being done) and reaching that ideal intention. Building on ancestry and express self (my synthesis: how you want to live rather than what job do you want)

Great share by Summit Middle School on Nelson Mandela. 

Alia Adele – 15 year old student at UBC did much of the filming – 2 year condensed high school program. Wow. 

Lord Nation a violinist from Nigeria! Loving his share of loving the process of making music. Listening and creating! great violin skills!!

Love that the sign language supporter got to take a break for a student to do signing and the rest of us received interpretation support. Especially all the positive messages from kids about what ‘being black’ means. Active. Creative. Thoughtful. Grateful. Beautiful. Proud to be black. Proud of myself. Not just a colour… my colour, my pride, my integrity  

Love that Ken Headley (#bcedchat shoutout) was interviewed by his son about steel drums!

Tosaint Ricketts also shared his while sports opens doors and helps with connections, there are still obstacles to overcome. Which is why for him, black excellence means knowing who you are and knowing there are systemic obstacles to be overcome – and can be overcome through education (of self and by other) as amplified voices will make a difference for future generations. So be true to who you are – don’t let ignorant words and actions define who you are or harm your confidence. Be better mindset!! 

Janelle Reid closed things with “change is gonna come”

Great assembly with some good learning and great inspiration for what the future ought to bring! Huge thanks to the team at http://www.blackexcellenceday.ca for continuing this work and share!