It will never feel underwhelming to us that we have the privilege to lead children in discussion and critical thinking when sharing world diversity, marginalized groups and the importance of equity & justice. This Black History Month, the insightful and talented educators of LCCC opened their classrooms to conversation of Black leaders, Black struggle, Black success and Black accomplishments as they integrated all aspects of Black Excellence throughout history, into their programming.
Black Inventors
After discovering the story of George Crum—who accidentally invented potato chips by cutting french fries way too thin—this class decided to put their own spin on the classic snack. They tackled the whole process from start to finish: washing, peeling, slicing, and marinating the potatoes before handing them off to an adult for baking. The best part? Getting to taste the crispy, golden results of their efforts. And let us tell you—they were absolutely delicious!
Other classrooms learned about essential, everyday mechanics that were invented by Black people. Such as the three-positioned traffic signal, invented by Garrett Morgan. Educators asked the children what signifies being able to stop, go and slow down while riding in a car with their parents, and the children quickly attributed these actions to the different colours. With that, the Educators then led them to the awareness of Garrett Morgan, the man we can now thank for such valuable features of everyday life. Longtime inventor of the 1800s, Lewis Latimer also invented items and electric tools that we've become reliant on in our modern life. Like the evaporative air conditioner, and an improved process for manufacturing lightbulbs.
While hockey was developed in Canada, Black communities, like those in the Coloured Hockey League (CHL) of the late 1800s, helped introduce key moves like the slapshot. Black pioneers like Earl Lloyd and Chuck Cooper helped break barriers in basketball and shape the game we love today. Inspired by these history-makers, some classrooms got created their own hockey sticks and basketballs out of clay as a hands-on way to celebrate Black contributions to sports!
Black Expression
African masks are an important part of celebrations during Black History Month because they represent the rich history, culture, and traditions of African people. Many African communities use masks in dances, ceremonies, and storytelling to honor their ancestors, celebrate important events, and connect with their spiritual beliefs. This classroom created their own masks, allowing each child to craft a unique piece to demonstrate what might be important to them and what they'd want to represent should they wear their hypothetical African masks.
Another classroom learned about Black activist and former human rights attorney Laolu Senbanjo, who now dedicates his life to creativity, using art to help Black people live their most authentic lives. Born in Nigeria, Senbanjo has collaborated with many noteworthy Black artists, including Beyoncé, Serena Williams, Alicia Keys, and Bad Bunny. He is also well known for his sneaker art project, in which he applies his signature Afromysterics art style to create unique, wearable pieces of African-inspired art. Inspired by his work, this classroom designed their own dynamic sneakers while learning about African art, symbolism, and the Yoruba artistic tradition.
Black Joy
An overarching theme throughout all classroom activities and learning experiences was perhaps the most poignant of all: Black people deserve equality, Black people are important, and Black people deserve to live their lives in joy and peace alongside everyone else.
We saw classrooms create handprint pages to symbolize that the hands we hold in this life will come in many different colors. We saw students celebrate Black style, beauty, and culture by designing signature Black hairstyles, reinforcing the message that there is no wrong way to wear your hair—everyone has the right to express their most natural, authentic selves. Other classrooms read books about the dangers of judging someone based on race and the importance of understanding a person for who they are on the inside—their values, ideas, interests, and character.
Over the years, we have seen countless incredible ways our Educators bring diversity, equality, and inclusion into their programming in an organic and meaningful way. But this year, we have been truly impressed by the depth of each learning experience and the ways our Educators have transformed everyday moments into powerful opportunities for critical thinking and reflection.
They have turned Black names and figures—many of whom might not have been otherwise mentioned—into names that children will now carry home and remember. And they fostered meaningful discussions through art, music, and storytelling, allowing children to explore the beauty and impact of Black culture in ways that resonate with them.
Thank you for celebrating Black History Month with us, and for being a part of the everyday inclusion that we take pride in here at LCCC.
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