February 3rd, 2025

At the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB), we strive to recognise Black Brilliance all year long. February is Black Brilliance Month. We aim to create an environment where African, Caribbean and Black-identifying (ACBi) students and staff see their brilliance:

  • Highlighted
  • Represented
  • Celebrated

Black Brilliance 2025: Flourish

Flourishing is the presence of positive well-being, belonging and agency. Black flourishing is a holistic state of goodness absent racial trauma and narratives of overcoming. Black flourishing is joy, affirmation and brilliance. It is the earth from which a limitless life grows. Promoting Black flourishing creates the conditions for learning and belonging by centring:

  • Black stories
  • Africentric cultural practices and pedagogies in educational spaces

Some of the ways the WRDSB cultivates these conditions for Black flourishing include:

  • Dismantling anti-Black racism
  • Creating and enacting antiracist policies
  • Supporting Black students’ Associations (BSAs)
  • Collaborating with the community, including Elders

As a school board, we work to ensure that each child’s innate potential is unlocked so they can experience the joy of flourishing.

Celebrating Black Brilliance

Celebrating Black History Month is the basis of Black Brilliance Month at WRDSB and we invite students and staff to learn more about its origins. You can find some information by visiting About Black History Month or Black History Society Ontario.

During Black Brilliance Month, we invite all WRDSB schools to:

  • Listen to student voices
  • Teach about and honour the African, Caribbean and Black Diaspora

February 10 to 14 is Black Brilliance Week

Black Brilliance Week runs from February 10 to 14. You’ll have a variety of ways to take part, learn more and support this celebration of Black Brilliance:

February 13 is Black Brilliance Day

Started in 2022, Black Brilliance Day centres and celebrates Black joy, diversity and identity.

On this day, we ask that schools support students in planning assemblies or events. These should:

  • Honour Black Canadian diverse identities
  • Provide learning opportunities for all students to improve their Black cultural history

Join WRDSB in Celebrating Black Brilliance

You’re invited to join us in celebrating Black Brilliance this month, and all year long! Share your voice on social media using #WRDSBBlackBrilliance to join the conversation.