On Friday, Feb. 13, the Department of History partnered with the Archives of Ontario to host an inspirational workshop for 35 Toronto District School Board teachers. The event brought educators to campus to learn about and reflect on the new Black Canadian history curriculum expectations being introduced into Ontario’s elementary and high school history programs.
The workshop was led by Professor Natasha Henry-Dixon, who has played an instrumental role in supporting the teaching of Black Canadian history in the public school system and ensuring that Black history is thoroughly and carefully integrated into the province’s curriculum.
Dr. Henry-Dixon opened the session by noting two major milestones being marked this February: 100 years since Black history began to be commemorated annually in February in both the United States and Canada, and 30 years since Black History Month was recognized federally in Canada. She then walked participants through relevant curricular topics in grades 10 and 12 Canadian history courses, provided an overview of the diversity of the Black communities in the 20th-century and highlighted pedagogical concerns for teaching the pending mandated expectations.
The morning concluded with a hands-on exercise using primary sources from the Archives of Ontario. Teachers were also introduced to the archive’s new exhibit curated by Henry-Dixon, Illuminate Black: Shining Light on the Black Presence in Ontario (February 2026 – March 2028).
After lunch, provided by the Avie Bennett Historica Chair in Canadian History, Professor Damilola Adebayo led a discussion on how Black history is currently factored into the global history curriculum at the high school level. Drawing on extensive teaching and research experience across Africa, Europe and North America, Dr. Adebayo emphasized the ongoing underrepresentation of global Black histories in existing teaching materials. Teachers expressed a strong interest in expanding their curriculum and discussed the need for a comprehensive global Black history textbook tailored to Ontario’s K–12 system. The discussion renewed interest in teaching Black history beyond the Canadian context, prompting teachers to crowdsource ideas and exchange practical resources for their classrooms.
The workshop also allowed the department to welcome high school history teachers to campus while highlighting the Black Canadian Studies certificate.
The event served as a meaningful celebration of Black History Month and strengthened 91ÑÇɫ’s relationships with public school educators who prepare our students to join us for their university journey. We also appreciate the tremendous collaboration fostered with the Archives of Ontario.