York Region school board launches new network to support Black students

'The Black Student Success Network will work with great determination'

Yorkregion.com
March 15, 2021

York Region District School Board has launched a program to help connect Black students with an interdepartmental team to foster and promote Black student success and well-being.

The pilot Black Student Success Network (BSSN) is comprised of the Graduation Coaches for Black students, the Community Partnership Developer for the African Caribbean Community and Performance Plus, and the Itinerant Identity-Specific Social Worker for the Black communities.

This network will also support schools with the creation of safe (Black) identity-affirming learning environments while also providing opportunities for staff to deepen their learning about racial literacy.

The BSSN pilot was officially launched at an inaugural virtual event on March 10.

The launch comes after YRDSB unleashed its first strategy to fight anti-Black racism. One of the manifestations of anti-Black racism in schools is when Black students -- even those with high marks -- aren’t encouraged to take the academic route.

“We are extremely proud of the members of the BSSN leadership team who have taken critical imperative steps to support Black students with a focus on mental health and well-being, mentorship and advising and partnering with the Black community,” said Nicole Baxter-Lyn, equity teacher facilitator and co-ordinator, and graduation coach for Black Students Supervisor.

“As they continue to stand on the shoulders of our formidable Black community partners within York Region and beyond, their relentless commitment to collectively dismantle and eradicate all remnants of anti-Black racism at the system, school and classroom levels is both exemplary and needed.”

Assistant Deputy Minister of Indigenous Education and Well-Being Denise Dwyer served as the keynote speaker and spoke to participants about her experiences in the education system and the need for systemic change in support of affirming and empowering Black students, families and communities.

“Deputy Minister Dwyer's powerful words inspire us to cultivate the excellence of our Black students and to affirm and nurture their brilliance,” said Fawzia Durrani, principal of Inclusive School and Community Services.

“The Black Student Success Network will work with great determination in service of this goal and is committed to innovative and bold actions to create the necessary conditions for change in support of Black student success and well-being,” Durrani added.