EMSB Is Marking Black History Month Through Hands-On Learning and Creativity

Montreal, February 6, 2026 – Throughout Black History Month, the English Montreal School Board network  has been engaging students in immersive, creative, and interdisciplinary learning experiences designed to bring Black history, culture, and excellence to life.   

Dr. Salah Wilson

Black History Month Assemblies: Caribbean Culture & Music:

On February 17 at Leonardo Da Vinci Academy, February 18 at Nesbitt Elementary School and on February 19 at Pierre de Coubertin Elementary School, students will take part in Caribbean-inspired assemblies celebrating culture, music, and innovation. The program will highlight the work of Dr. Salah Wilson, a pioneer in Canada’s steelpan community, and his daughter Fatima Wilson, a Montreal-based steelpan musician and educator. 

Hands-On Learning: Honouring Viola Desmond

During Black History Month, students from L.I.N.K.S. High School, Pierre de Coubertin Elementary, Leonardo Da Vinci Academy, Nesbitt Elementary School and Carlyle International Elementary School will participate in engaging workshops focusing on the life and legacy of Viola Desmond. As part of a creative, hands-on activity, students will design and build 3D paper models of movie theatres, symbolically recreating the events surrounding Desmond’s experience at the Roseland Theatre in 1946.  

Connecting with Ruby Bridges Through Creative Writing

Students from Pierre de Coubertin Elementary, Leonardo Da Vinci Academy, Nesbitt Elementary School and John F. Kennedy High School will take part in a cross-school initiative highlighting the life and legacy of civil rights pioneer Ruby Bridges. The program will introduce students to Bridges’ historic role in desegregating public schools and her extraordinary courage at just six years old. Students will create personalized postcards and greeting cards addressed to Ruby Bridges, sharing words of appreciation and reflection. The completed cards will be sent to the Ruby Bridges Foundation, allowing students to connect their learning to a global audience and engage in meaningful civic participation while discovering their own power to be change-makers.  

“I Have a Dream” Mural Art Creation

John F. Kennedy High School and Nesbitt Elementary School students will create a visual art installation displayed in the foyer of both schools, celebrating student voice and vision while responding to the guiding question: “What is your dream, and what do you hope for our future?”  

Celebrating Black Excellence Through Art

John F. Kennedy High School will unveil three large-scale educational banners celebrating Black excellence across the 1800s, 1900s, and 2000s. Designed by Mr. Lacroce, the four by eight-foot banners highlight influential Black leaders whose courage and innovation shaped history. Approved for permanent installation in the school cafeteria, the displays will serve as year-round learning tools that spark conversation, reflection, and appreciation of Black contributions. 

Bringing History to Life: Underground Railroad Workshop

Students at John F. Kennedy High School and Carlyle International Elementary School will participate in an interactive Underground Railroad workshop. Through a team-based learning experience inspired by trivia games and board-game strategy, students will explore key figures, routes, and events connected to this historic resistance movement.  

Gardenview School celebrates Black history and excellence all year long, but February offers a special opportunity to uplift Black voices — past, present, local, and global. This month encourages the community to explore powerful stories, enjoy enriching cultural experiences, and connect with diverse Black communities.

Black History Month Through Music and Movement

 On February 10, 2025, Secondary III–V students at John F. Kennedy High School gathered in the Big Gym for a dynamic Black History Month assembly featuring Lésouta Luc Bambara. Presented through the Préville Fine Arts Centre, Luc shared the rich cultural traditions of African drumming and dance from his home country of Burkina Faso. Students were invited to actively participate, experiencing the powerful rhythms and movements that connect music, history, and community. The workshop went beyond performance, encouraging conversations about belonging, identity, and diversity in Québec, particularly from BIPOC perspectives. It also connected to STEAM learning, showing how rhythm, coordination, and cultural storytelling intersect across disciplines. The event was organized by PDCIA Veronica D’Agata and Vince Lacroce, with special thanks to Ms. D’Agata, for leading this meaningful initiative that brought energy, culture, and reflection to the JFK community.

Boxing Legend Otis Grant to Inspire Students at John F. Kennedy High School

As part of Black History Month celebrations, John F. Kennedy High School is proud to welcome Canadian boxing legend Otis Grant on February 23 for a special student assembly focused on perseverance, leadership, and resilience.

Organized by Personal Development and Community Involvement Animator (PDCIA) Vince Lacroce, the upcoming event will give students a unique opportunity to hear firsthand from one of Montreal’s most accomplished athletes and community leaders.

Otis Grant, a former world champion and proud Montrealer, will share his inspiring journey from growing up in the city to competing on the world stage. Through his presentation, he will emphasize the importance of discipline, self-belief, and hard work, while also speaking openly about overcoming adversity and staying focused on personal goals.

“Mr. Grant’s story goes far beyond boxing,” says Vince Lacroce. “It’s about resilience, character, and using your experiences to motivate others. Our goal is to show students that success is possible when you commit to yourself and your dreams.”

During the assembly, students will have the opportunity to engage with Mr. Grant as he speaks about the challenges he faced throughout his career and the lessons he learned along the way. He will encourage students to take pride in their identity, embrace their potential, and give back to their communities.

The event will highlight the importance of celebrating Black excellence and recognizing the contributions of Black Canadians, both past and present. It will also reinforce John F. Kennedy High School’s commitment to creating meaningful learning experiences that extend beyond the classroom.

BHM Performance at Dante and Honore Mercier

On February 4, as part of Black History Month celebration at Dante and Honore Mercier Elementary, everyone enjoyed a dynamic and high energy performance by Melo, renowned dancer, choreographer and founder of Uplift514 Afro dance school in Montreal. Through movement, rhythm, and storytelling, Melo shared his African culture and reminded us that dance is more than movement—it’s a way of telling stories, honoring traditions, and bringing people together.

Cultural Exchange

Gardenview Elementary School  students will take part in an exciting virtual cultural exchange with students from Gejeop International School in Kumasi, Ghana. During this experience, Gardenview students will be able to ask questions about Ghanaian culture, food, climate, and daily life, while also sharing their own unique backgrounds. It is remarkable that children in Montreal can build connections with peers halfway across the world, discovering that while differences exist, the similarities that unite them are just as meaningful. In addition. Gardenview's G.R.E.A.T. Committee, comprised of student leaders, will visit Grades 1 to 3 to present inspiring stories of Black heroes and their lasting contributions. Their work helps younger learners appreciate the brilliance, resilience, and creativity that have shaped history. Gardenview  is also thrilled to welcome back the Salah and Family Steel Pan Band, whose energetic performance highlights the vibrant cultural roots of Trinidadian steel pan music. Their visit always brings joy and offers students an immersive cultural experience. Gardenview looks forward to a month filled with learning, celebration, connection, and pride — and to carrying this spirit forward throughout the year. The GREAT committee presentations will take place on February 9, 10, 11 and 12; the video conference,  February 17; and  the Steel Pans presentation  on February 26.

Dance Off

Parkdale Elementary School  in St. Laurent will have a Dance Off on Fri. Feb. 6 (1:45 pm to 2:15 pm  and 3 pm to 3:30 pm).  Featured special guests will be  Dany (Dizzylock), a graphic designer by day and a Nighttime Lock Dance Performer Winner of over 12 competitions in Montreal and Toronto, he finished in second place in Colombia and the top eight in New York.  Dany taught dance classes in Ontario, Quebec and ran a dance program in the schools of Alberta. Also on the bill is Abigaelle, 12,    who has a  specialty in Afrodance and hip hop, She participated in Quebec's Got Talent, and teaches young children Afrobop.  Abee brings in the origins of dance, the old while Dizzylock brings in the new, with two  amazing shows as well, showing students the commonality and histories of each dance, dating back to the Charleston! 

About the English Montreal School Board

With a youth and adult sector population of more than 35,000 students, the English Montreal School Board (EMSB) is the largest English public school board in Quebec. Established on July 1, 1998, when the province created new boards along linguistic lines, the EMSB network consists of 73 schools and centres. For more details, visit the EMSB website at www.emsb.qc.ca.

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Contact:

Michael J. Cohen

Manager,  Marketing and Communications

English Montreal School Board

mcohen@emsb.qc.ca