EMSB To Mark Black History Month Through Hands-On Learning and Creativity

Montreal, January 29, 2026 – Throughout Black History Month, the English Montreal School Board network  will engage students in immersive, creative, and interdisciplinary learning experiences designed to bring Black history, culture, and excellence to life.  The first six activities   are being organized by Personal Development and Community Involvement Animator Vince Lacroce.

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.

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.

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