March 23rd, 2026

In February, schools across the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) recognized Black Brilliance through school-wide events, field trips, and classroom learning opportunities celebrating Black joy, diversity, and identity. These recognitions are an opportunity to highlight African, Caribbean and Black identifying (ACBi) histories, and their everyday Brilliance, though we strive to recognize Black Brilliance all year long.

Black Brilliance Youth STEAM Festival

On February 12, students from 13 WRDSB elementary schools gathered at the Kingsdale Community Centre to learn about some of the many career pathways available after graduation. The inaugural event offered career-focused programming and highlighted Black-led community education organizations.

Students took part in a full-day of hands-on experience designed to make science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) engaging, inclusive, and fun.

Students were divided into four groups to participate in hands-on sessions focused on biomedical engineering, cosmetic chemistry, intro to aviation, and rhythm, breath and belonging. The experiences helped students connect their classroom learning about science, technology, engineering, arts and math to real-world applications and their everyday experiences.

This event is part of the WRDSB’s ongoing commitment to improving academic outcomes for ACBi students, guided by the Ministry of Education’s Creating Pathways to Success framework.

Elementary Black Brilliance Conference at Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU)

On February 19, in partnership with Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU), the WRDSB proudly hosted its third annual Black Brilliance Conference for elementary students. Guided by this year’s theme, Ubuntu, the day highlighted the power of community in helping ACBi students flourish and envision their futures.

Students selected two engaging workshops led by WLU professors, WRDSB staff, alumni and Black community volunteers, with sessions in health, earth science, law, music, computer science and mental health. With 200 students in attendance, the energy was undeniable. Students were excited to see themselves reflected in so many of the presenters and participants.

The conference created meaningful spaces for connection, identity and aspiration, offering students opportunities to learn, be inspired, and envision possibilities for their futures.

Thank you to all of the organizers, speakers, community members, staff and students for making this year’s conference such an uplifting and inspiring experience for everyone involved.

Black Brilliance Month Across the WRDSB

Schools throughout the WRDSB took part in recognizing Black Brilliance Month, in ways that reflected their school communities and the shared learning in which they are engaged.

We’d like to highlight a selection of their contributions:

William G Davis Public School

Throughout February, William G. Davis PS proudly celebrated Black Brilliance with a vibrant, school-wide focus inspired by this year’s theme, Ubuntu. The highlight of the month was the Black Brilliance Fair, where Grade 7 and 8 students transformed the library into an exhibit filled with displays, presentations, and creative projects. From exploring Black Canadian contributions in music, politics, activism, film and geography, to creating original stories centred on Black identities and experiences, students showed how much they learned and how important it is to recognize stories that are too often overlooked.

The Black Brilliance Fair created an inspiring learning opportunity where students could learn from one another, celebrate diverse contributions to Canada’s history and lived experiences, and embody the true meaning of Ubuntu. As Principal Sykes shared, “when we lift each other up, we all rise”.

Elmira District Secondary School

Staff and students celebrated Black History Month this year in various ways, focusing on elevating the voices, experiences, and contributions of ACBi individuals.

To honour Black History Month, music from Black Canadian composers and performers, along with international artists, was shared each morning in February. Additionally, each department decorated its doors to highlight the histories, contributions, and impacts of Black Canadians within their respective subject areas.

Throughout the month and beyond, additional events and learning opportunities were organized in classrooms.

Learn more: Ubuntu – Black Brilliance Month 2026.

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