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“We need to be prepared for the future.”

Professor Maydianne Andrade made this bold statement of the task at hand as she introduced one of the many panels during a full – and thought-provoking – day of conversations.

Presented by the Centre for Black Studies in Education (CBSE) at �������� with the Black Future Educators’ Program Pathway program (BFEP), the Black Education Symposium: The History of Black Education in Canada sought to discuss historical truths surrounding Black education in Canada – past, present and future.

The Jan. 28 summit hosted 300 registered guests from school boards, colleges, universities and community partners.

With a focus on the ongoing political, cultural, and social challenges, the day-long event , hosted by Professor Andrew B. Campbell, CBSE director, fostered connections and sparked meaningful conversations about  creating better educational outcomes for Black students. Dr. Campbell spoke glowingly to the audience about community – how we walk and live and pour into each other," he says.

“It is how we create and continue to write our history and secure Black Futures,” he says.

The energy in the space was described by keynote speaker Dr. Afua Cooper as a “melanated space” – something we often do not see in our universities, she noted. The keynote from Dr. Cooper, a professor of history at U of T Scarborough, focused on Canadian songstress Portia White, using her story to highlight the historical struggles of Black women in securing freedom and opportunities in their chosen professional fields.

Professor Andrade, currently serving as the Special Advisor for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at �������� for the 2024-2025 academic year, moderated a panel on “Black Futures in Education.” This discussion explored the contributions of Black communities to education in Canada and the ways Black communities have historically organized and advocated for equitable education. Her first question focused on what is essential to ensure Black students are flourishing in postsecondary education.

“Consider the importance of Black affirming spaces,” said panellist Dr. Alana Butler, �������� alumna and professor of education at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ont. “The question was, ‘What do we do in terms of creating an environment where Black students can feel welcome?’ and I think that the first thing is an identity affirming space, like we have here looking around the room, and [we need to] create that in our own spaces.”

Dr. Butler was joined on this panel by Tanitiã Munroe, �������� doctoral student and senior research coordinator for the Toronto District School Board, Professor Grace-Camille Munroe from Toronto Metropolitan University, and Professor Camisha Sibblis from the University of Windsor. Together, they discussed how Black students can flourish, the importance of dismantling oppressive structures, and fostering environments where Black students  can thrive holistically.

Professors Ann Lopez and Robyn Maynard, U of T honorary degree recipient and alumna Rosemary Sadlier, and Karen Murray, the System Superintendent for Equity for the Toronto District School Board also engaged in a rich conversation about the past and the future of education for Black youth.

Dr. Natasha Henry-Dixon, an professor of African Canadian History at York University, closed the day with a presentation about what Black communities have endured in education, including legal and de facto segregation, academic streaming, and more.

“It's important for us to remember that Black History Month was intended to spur learning and community building throughout the year, not just within the 28 of the 29 days of the month,” she says. “So, it serves to inspire us to act and not just to celebrate. What are we doing come March 1? What are we doing in June and October?”

She ended her remarks with a powerful call to action: “I hope that my talk synthesized the importance of Black education in the past, got us to think critically about the direction that we need to go, and called upon us to work together in order to make that happen.”

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