When: January 7, 14, 21, 28 @ 7:00 PM - 8:15 PM EST
Cost: $30
Facilitator: Rachel Luke
Course Objective
To provide participants with valuable insights into the rich and diverse history of Black Canadian stories, with a focus on universal themes of freedom, resilience, and creativity. Highlighting successes, triumphs, and the barriers faced by Black communities in Canada and beyond, this course aims to foster a deeper understanding of their contributions to global history and culture through films, interactive activities, and discussions.
Course Outline
Session 1: The Foundations of Freedom
- Focus: The Underground Railroad
- Learning Objectives:
- Explore the significance of the Underground Railroad as a transnational effort for liberation.
- The contributions of freedom fighters to end slavement and foster peace.
Session 2: Civil Rights Movements Across Borders
- Focus: Courage and Change in Canada and Beyond
- Learning Objectives:
- Gain insights into the Civil Rights Movement in Canada and its global parallels.
- Learn about key figures such as Viola Desmond, Stanley Grizzle, and the Sleeping Car Porters, and their international influence.
- Reflect on how activism in Canada intersected with global struggles for racial equality.
Session 3: Artistic Expressions and Liberation
- Focus: Creativity and Resistance in the Arts
- Learning Objectives:
- Explore the contributions of historical and contemporary Black Canadian artists in documenting Black life.
- Discuss how cultural expression has been used to challenge systemic racism and foster solidarity.
- Highlight the works of Black authors, musicians, and filmmakers with international resonance and their role in shaping narratives globally.
Session 4: Breaking Barriers in Sports
- Theme: Global Perspectives on Racism and Triumph in Sports
- Learning Objectives:
- Understand the challenges faced by Black athletes in Canada
- Examine the life and achievements of Herb Carnegie and other global sports icons who broke barriers.
- Discuss systemic discrimination in sports and its ongoing global impact.
Additional Course Features
- Resources Provided: Reading suggestion lists, documentaries, and online articles for further exploration.
- Opportunities for participants to share reflections and personal experiences related to the course themes.
- Outcome: Participants will leave with a deeper appreciation for the contributions and resilience of Black communities in Canada and a toolkit of resources to promote peace and equity in their own contexts.
About the Facilitator Rachel Luke
Rachel is the Instructional Coordinator for African, Black, and Afro-Caribbean Student Success at the Peel District School Board. She previously spent 20 years at Glenforest Secondary School, where she taught English, Dramatic Arts, English as a Second Language, Black Canadian History, and served as a Teacher Librarian. Rachel’s excellence in education has been recognized with the Prime Minister’s National Award for Teaching Excellence in 2021 and a Regional Certificate of Achievement in 2020.
Recently, she taught Black History: Past, Present, Future, a Canadian Black History course for seniors in the Living & Learning in Retirement program at Glendon College, York University. Beyond her professional roles, Rachel is deeply engaged in community organizations supporting youth and is an avid traveler, having explored nearly 80 countries.
