February 4th, 2021

On January 20, the Equity and Inclusion Branch of the Indigenous, Equity and Human Rights Department at the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) kicked off its inaugural session of the 2020-21 Black Brilliance Conference Series.

Typically, the Black Brilliance Conference is an annual event held for African, Caribbean, and Black identifying (ACBi) WRDSB high school students in partnership and collaboration with the ACB community. Students are heavily engaged in the conference planning process, including determining workshop topics and the conference theme.

In November 2018 and 2019, more than 100 ABCi students would come together at our Education Centre for a full day, in-person event as a way to create a safe space for conversation and build community for each other.

But, due to pandemic restrictions, our Equity Working Team (EWT), in partnership with our high schools’ Black Student Unions and Associations and their staff leads, had to re-imagine the way the event would be offered. They didn’t want COVID-19 to get in the way of such a powerful and impactful opportunity.

“Even though students and staff could not gather in a physical space, it was necessary to hold this space for community,” said Sundeep Hans, Equity and Inclusion Officer. “Holding space for ABCi students to speak freely and hear the lived experiences of community members and peers who are like them is critical.”

The decision to move this one-day conference to a virtual series not only provides the flexibility to have this be more than a one-day event, it also allows for more ABCi students, across our district, to join, learn and feel connected.

“As a Black student, going to a mainly white school, these events mean so much to me. I love getting the opportunity to connect with other Black students,” said one Grade 10 student. “Thank you so much for hosting them, I truly appreciate it.”

More than eighty students attended from fifteen WRDSB secondary schools for the inaugural session, including BSU students and their staff leads.

Joni NehRita, a Jamaican-Canadian artist and music educator who writes songs about unity, hope and social justice, kicked off the Black Brilliance series as the keynote speaker. She spoke and shared songs about her lived experience of working to find her voice as a Black person in predominantly white spaces, and using her music to express her vision of what the world could look like. She shared how saying “yes” and staying true to herself and her vision for the world has led to a fruitful and evolving career.

The students were captivated by Joni’s message, enjoyed her music and left the session feeling inspired. The connection our students felt was described as “life-changing”. They saw themselves in the people they were surrounded by and felt connected to a larger student community beyond their school walls.

“To be honest, at first I was scared to attend because I’ve never been to a Black conference,” a Grade 9 attendee shared. “But as the conference carried on, I felt more comfortable in the community, and I felt the motivation and enlightenment I wished to receive, so thank you!”

After their time together, the Equity Working Team reached out to participants to evaluate the interest in this series continuing, and the feedback was overwhelming. Here are what some of the students and staff had to say:

“I loved literally everything about it. Joni was very engaging, the breakout rooms were fun and welcoming, and great questions were asked at the end.” (Grade 11)

“Honestly, when an opportunity arises, I usually like to say no because it’s easier that way. From today on, I’m going to start saying yes more and see how my life changes!” (Grade 10)

“I really enjoyed hearing Joni Nehrita speak. I loved hearing her perspective and the advice and feedback she gave us along the way.” (Grade 12)

“It was amazing to interact with other students from around the region. I felt excited to hear about the organizing and advocacy that is happening. We have amazing students in our region!” (Staff)

“So good to see students from all around the board engaged and willing to share their voices.” (Staff)

Due to the overwhelming response, we are excited to share that this series will continue throughout the year. We are delighted to have the BSU students from Glenview Park Secondary School (GPSS) plan and run the next session in February.