Bluewater District School Board (BWDSB) is taking another step towards Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion following its first ever Black Student Forum.
It was held at Grey Highlands Secondary School on April 9, hosted by former Canadian Football League player and founder of One Voice One Team, Orlando Bowen.
The forum was an opportunity for more than 75 Black students to participate in workshops and breakout groups to discuss their own experiences and brainstorm ways to improve the school community.
"We had students that came in and they had their hoods up and a few of them were not fully engaged," said Keith Lefebvre, superintendent of education. "But you could see them start to open up during the day and by the end of the day, they were fully engaged. They know that we value their voice and we're listening."
Lefebvre had high praise for Bowen, saying he has a very powerful story and an impactful way of speaking to the students.
"He speaks very well to them and relates to them about the work that needs to be done within society, within schools, and the efforts and what students need to be doing within schools to raise their voice, to feel empowered," he said.
After the day, students were going up to staff, asking what faculty will do with the information learned to make a change.
"This applies to every student," said Lefebvre. "Students would say, 'when you look at me and you see me, get to know me, understand me, my background, where I come from, what my dreams and aspirations are. That's important and don't make any assumptions based on how I look.'"
Further discussions will take place in the coming days with Bowen's team on how BWDSB can further improve the school community.
