Organized and led by the GECDSB's Black Student Advisory Committee, which includes student representatives from secondary schools across the Board, the annual event provided an opportunity for students to come together, celebrate their identities, share their experiences and build meaningful connections.
This year's symposium embraced the inspiring theme, "Remember Who You Are... Strong, Confident, Brilliant and Beautiful!", encouraging students to recognize their strengths, embrace their individuality and take pride in who they are.
The event featured keynote addresses from Shantelle Browning-Morgan and Cornelius Osei-Owusu, who shared messages of inspiration, empowerment and personal growth with students.
"Sankofa is a bird. I want you to repeat after me - Sankofa. It comes from the Akan people of Ghana and it means to go back and get it. It is from an ancient African proverb that teaches it is not wrong to go back for that which you have forgotten. So, I want to ask, what do you need to go back and get? Maybe it is confidence. Maybe it is a dream you stopped believing in. Maybe it is something a grandparent, a teacher, coach or a friend once said when they saw potential you couldn't see in yourself yet. Sankofa doesn't ask us to live in the past. It asks us to recover what we need to move forward. And sometimes what we need is the knowledge of who we are and where we come from."
Shantelle Browing-Morgan, Student Success Lead Teacher and PhD in Education Candidate"Something that my dad often said that I carried with me throughout my life was, "If people are doing it, why not you?" and "If it hasn't been done, why not be the first to do it?"
"At the end of the day, you are the experts of your own lives. You know your motivations, your know your potential. Don't let anyone who hasn't lived the life you have lived or gone through the challenges you have gone through tell you that you can't do something."
Cornelius Osei-Owusu, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry Student
Throughout the day, students participated in interactive breakout sessions focused on self-love, identity, wellness and community engagement. Sessions included Black Kids in Action, Beauty is Me: Self Love, Protect Your Peace, presented by Amani from the Windsor Essex Community Health Centre, and The Stories Our Markers Tell Us, facilitated by the Black Student Advisory Committee.
The symposium also showcased the power of artistic expression through performances by Teajai Travis and the Voices of Freedom, along with student performers Shadin Sigouin, Andrew Francois and Brianna Williams.
More than a celebration, the Black Joy, Black Excellence Student Symposium provides an important platform for student voice, leadership and connection. Through meaningful conversations, shared experiences and opportunities for self-expression, the event reinforces the importance of creating learning environments where all students feel valued, supported and empowered to succeed.
The GECDSB extends its sincere appreciation to the Black Student Advisory Committee, keynote speakers, performers, presenters and staff whose contributions made this year's symposium possible.
For more information
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