Celebrating Black History: A Year-Round Commitment

February 28, 2025

Celebrating Black History: A Year-Round Commitment

As we come to the end of Black History Month, we take this moment to reflect on the importance of celebrating Black history—not just in February but throughout the entire year. Black history is vital to our collective story, enriching our understanding of the past, shaping our present, and inspiring the future. At Centres for Early Learning, we are committed to ensuring that these lessons extend beyond a single month and are woven into the fabric of our curriculum and daily interactions.

Throughout February, children across our centres participated in engaging and meaningful activities that deepened their understanding of Black history, culture, and contributions. These experiences provided opportunities for learning, discussion, and creative expression, helping children build a strong foundation of respect, inclusion, and appreciation for diversity.

Some of the initiatives that took place included:

  • Exploring the Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.: Children learned about Dr. King’s impact on civil rights and participated in “I Have a Dream” activities, where they shared their own dreams and aspirations for the future, inspired by his vision of equality and justice.
  • Reading and Discussion: Books such as You Are Important by Todd Snow & Melodee Strong, Just Like Me by Vanessa Brantley Newton, Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o, Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry, I Like Myself by Karen Beaumont, and I Am Enough by Grace Byers were incorporated into programming. These books helped spark conversations about self-worth, identity, and the power of dreaming big.
  • Journaling Activities: Children expressed what Black History Month means to them through writing and drawing, fostering reflection and deeper understanding.
  • Creative Arts & Representation: Younger children participated in art projects that represented themselves and their communities, using photos, skin-tone art materials, and hair-braiding activities to celebrate diverse beauty and culture.
  • Showcasing Noteworthy Black Canadians: Children explored the stories of remarkable Black Canadians, such as Viola Desmond, learning about their contributions and impact on history.
  • Honouring Black Heroes & Inventors: Activities highlighted the achievements of figures like Rosa Parks, Barack Obama, Michael Jordan, Malcolm X, and Ruby Bridges, demonstrating the lasting influence of Black leaders in various fields.
  • Creating Inclusive Displays: Children and staff worked together to design displays featuring books and messages promoting self-esteem, inclusion, and the importance of embracing diversity.

These activities introduced children to important historical figures and concepts and reinforced the values of respect, kindness, and the celebration of differences. However, our commitment to honouring Black history and culture does not end as February concludes. We recognize that Black history is world history and deserves to be acknowledged and integrated into learning experiences every day.

As we move forward, Centres for Early Learning will continue to embed these values into our curriculum, ensuring that children learn about diverse perspectives, histories, and contributions throughout the year. By fostering an inclusive environment, we empower children to become compassionate, informed, and engaged members of society.

Black History Month may be coming to a close, but our commitment to equity, representation, and celebrating Black excellence remains steadfast—every month of the year. Together, we will continue to learn, grow, and Enrich Lives by embracing diversity and fostering a culture of understanding and inclusion.

Let’s continue to learn, grow, and celebrate together!

Testimonials

  • There truly aren’t enough words to express how grateful our family is for this daycare. From the very first day, the educators and staff have loved and cared for my children as if they were their own. As parents, there is no greater comfort than knowing your kids are safe, happy, and genuinely cared for when you’re away at work and that’s exactly what they gave us every single day. Because of you, my children didn’t just attend daycare they gained an extended family. The warmth, patience, kindness, and dedication you show is something very special and rare. Taking them out has honestly been one of the saddest decisions for us, not just for the kids but for me as well. I became attached to all of you too. I truly wish every daycare had educators like you all, so no parent would ever have to feel worried when dropping off their child in the morning. Thank you to all the incredible educators and the amazing director who have been part of our journey. We will never forget the love and support you’ve given our family. You will always hold a special place in our hearts.

    Patricia

  • My son started daycare at 1 year of age, spending the first year of his life at home during the lockdown.  It wasn’t easy as many other kids, however, staffs at Dawes Road CEL were so helpful and caring he eventually got it easy within the first 3 weeks. The staff members were very supportive and kept me updated with his progress. Especially the himama app helped me be informed of all his activities throughout the day.

    I would like to convey my heartfelt gratitude to the staff and management of the center for taking care of my son.

    Serene

  • The last two and a half years have been wonderful for Asharib. I still remember the 1st day when I dropped him at daycare and how scared we both were. But he had learned so much in the past 2 years & I am glad that I decided to send him to Lori Gardens. Special thanks to all of Asharib’s teachers for taking such good care of him teaching him manners and always trying to make his day fun & exciting. Thank you so much for everything!


  • As a single parent,  I am grateful for the loving care the guidance that she receives. My daughter has been blessed with excellent staff members who understand her challenges and handle her with care.

    Thank you to all staff members at Sandalwood Centres for early learning.

    Thank You!

    Yammi

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Centres for Early Learning operates 10 different locations across the GTA, offering subsidized and full fee spaces child care programs for children from infancy to school age. For 50 years, we have been providing high quality care to countless families, many of whom have returned to us with younger siblings, has been both successful and fulfilling. We hope to continue to enrich the lives of children with you!

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