OCSB’s dedication to equity, diversity and inclusion highlighted during Black History Month
Grade 5 students from 30 Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) schools will participate in a board-wide Black History Day, which will focus on the contributions and accomplishments of Black Canadians. High school students will lead the event (scheduled for Feb. 13), which will include guest speakers and cultural events and activities. The Grade 5 students will also receive a kit that consists of books and other resources. It’s just one of many OCSB events that will be held during Black History Month to honour the legacy of Black Canadians, past and present.
“OCSB is taking intentional and definitive actions to ensure our Equity Framework is a living, fluid document,” said Shelley Montgomery, OCSB’s superintendent of Education, Leading and Learning. “We want our learning environments to be culturally responsive and designed to create a sense of belonging where students can see themselves reflected in the curriculum.”
In addition to Black History Month events at various schools and the boardwide Grade 5 celebration, 50 OCSB students will have the opportunity to tour the Senate of Canada and meet senators Mary Coyle, Wanda Thomas Bernard, Rosemary Moodie and Marie-Françoise Mégie.
OCSB equity and diversity advisor Mante Molepo is a lawyer by trade and co-founder of Parents for
Diversity, a group that advocates for schools and families to promote diversity and inclusion to address and eradicate discrimination and bias. “The visit to the Senate is an opportunity for Black students to envision the possibilities to participate in political life,” she said.
“What I love most about my position at the OCSB is I get to meet with students, and I know I can have a positive impact on them. I remember what it was like to be in school and not see people who look like me. When I talk to students, I know they see me, and I see them.”
Molepo’s advisory position aligns with the OCSB’s Three-Year Equity Framework, which is currently in its first year. The framework goes well beyond Black History Month events. It addresses everything from bias-free interview training and unconscious bias training for educators to the creation of culturally relevant pedagogy.
Catholic education promotes the dignity of all people. The OCSB stands against any form of discrimination or harassment and wants their school activities to encourage inclusiveness and acceptance for all students. This year, the board dedicated a professional development day to equity and diversity. The OCSB believes focusing on culturally relevant pedagogy supports students who may feel marginalized.
Among the OCSB’s other equity work is its adoption of the International Decade for People of African Descent, 2015-2024, which the UN General Assembly proclaimed in a Resolution in 2013. The OCSB’s adoption of the Declaration includes a focus on the curriculum to honour people of African descent. All schools will be engaging in a purposeful Equity Walk within the next year, during which students and staff will take inventory of books, resources and the school environment. The board also created the Black
What I love most about my position at the OCSB is I get to meet with students, and I know I can have a positive impact on them.
MANTE MOLEPO
Educator Network to connect, support and mentor staff. The network will hold its first community outreach event on March 12.
The Ottawa community is recognizing the leadership role the OCSB is taking in equity, diversity and inclusion. In January, Black History Ottawa awarded the board its President’s Community Builder Award, which recognizes an organization that has made an outstanding contribution to improving the quality of life for the people of Ottawa.
As a board, the OCSB wants their students to grow into responsible and socially conscious citizens. They believe all people should be treated with dignity and respect. The OCSB embraces diversity, promotes equity and is guided by Catholic social teachings to create welcoming places for all.
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