Black Learning Centre at Beaconsfield High School
by Marilyn Santucci
For Black History Month, Beaconsfield High School held several events, including a Black Learning Centre workshop organized and presented by students from Madam Mercier’s EDDI class.
“This class is dedicated to educating others about diversity, inclusivity, and dignity. We take part in various projects where we can choose our areas of involvement. We explore different countries and cultures and collaborate to inform our peers. Right now, our focus is on Black History Month,” says Katie St-Denis, a student at BHS.
As you entered the school, you were greeted by a stunning Black History Month banner and mural. Along the hallways, images of prominent Black figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Michael Jordan, Serena Williams, Rihanna, and Sidney Poitier were displayed, celebrating their impact and achievements.
The event featured two dedicated spaces where students from the class set up interactive booths, each with its own theme. From the history of hip-hop to influential Black figures, each booth provided a unique learning experience for visitors. Students who were not directly involved in the project were encouraged to complete a form at the end of their visit to share what they had learned. For the students leading the project, their participation extended far beyond the classroom.
“I want to learn more about the world. I hope to become an elementary school teacher, and I believe it’s important to be well-informed about different cultures and communities. This knowledge will help me confidently teach younger students about them in the future,” says Keira Pollack, a student at BHS.
The class takes part in numerous projects throughout the year. For the anniversary of the Polytechnique shooting, students painted chairs white, inscribed them with the names of the victims, and presented them to the school. They used this opportunity to educate their peers about the victims and the significance of remembering this tragic event.
