PEEL DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
Peel's Elementary Network of Black Studies Educators Celebrates Historic Expansion at Annual Community Showcase

The Network of Black Studies Educators (NBSE) Elementary Community Showcase, on June 4, 2025, welcomed over 350 attendees, and marked a milestone moment in the Network's journey: the successful expansion of Black Studies into elementary classrooms across Peel District School Board (PDSB).

The event celebrated the work of educators and students from 36 elementary schools that implemented rich, cross-curricular learning rooted in Black histories, identities, and contributions. "Learning about African history helps you to have an open mind about other people's cultures," shared Kayla, a Grade 5 student. Launched at the secondary level and expanded to elementary schools this year under the leadership of Principal Melissa Francis and the Peel Association of African Canadian Educators (PAACE), the NBSE was co-founded by Superintendent Atheia Grant and a diverse group of educators in the PDSB. The work is currently supported by the Equity Department and Curriculum Departments.  

"This year has been transformational," said Grant. "Our goal is to ensure that every student sees themselves reflected in the curriculum. The NBSE's expansion into elementary classrooms brings us closer to that goal." 

The showcase featured a vibrant collection of student work, including artwork, technology-infused presentations, and student voice testimonials. Teachers shared how the NBSE's curriculum resources anchored in Culturally Relevant and Responsive Pedagogy (CRRP) and frameworks such as Dr. Gholdy Muhammad's Historically Responsive Literacy helped foster deep engagement and identity affirmation in their classrooms. 

"My students were engaged and inspired throughout," said a Grade 4/5 teacher. "One moment that truly moved me was when a student turned to me and said, Thank you for teaching me about my family and my culture in school. I have never had that.'" 

In addition to student work, the event highlighted the contributions of over 25 Black-owned businesses and community partners, offering attendees opportunities to connect with culturally grounded resources and vendors. 

The NBSE Showcase represents more than a celebration, it is a call to action and a blueprint for systemic curriculum reform. Since its inception in 2018, the NBSE has worked to decolonize curriculum, affirm Black student identity, disrupt dominant historical narratives, and improve student achievement and well-being. 

As Ontario moves toward mandating Black history in Grades 7, 8, and 10 starting in September 2025, PDSB stands as a provincial leader in demonstrating how schools can meaningfully embed Black histories and excellence across all subject areas and grade levels.