OCSB students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 participated in the first-ever Standing Against Racism Week. The week’s celebrations coincided with the United Nations’ Annual Elimination of Racial Discrimination Day on March 21 and the International Day of Remembrance of the Transatlantic Slave Trade on March 25. The purpose of the week was to:
- Engage our students and community in meaningful conversations about bias awareness and anti-racism.
- Recognize and celebrate the contributions of Indigenous, Black, and racialized people to Canadian society and to learn about the experiences of other races.
- Directly support our commitment to the International Decade for People of African Descent and Equity Framework.
The theme for this week is Ubuntu, which emphasizes human dignity, a core Catholic social teaching. Archbishop Desmond Tutu wrote extensively about Ubuntu.
The essence of being human. Ubuntu speaks particularly about the fact that you can’t exist as a human being in isolation. It speaks about our interconnectedness… We think of ourselves far too frequently as just individuals, separated from one another, whereas you are connected, and what you do affects the whole world. When you do well, it spreads out for the whole of humanity.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Interactive activities and workshops during Standing Against Racism Week engaged students in fighting against racism with daily unique focuses led by experts and educators.
- Monday — What Is Anti-Racism? Day
- Tuesday — What’s Your Story Day
- Wednesday — Human Dignity Day
- Thursday — How Can I Change And Make A Difference? Day
- Friday — Celebration Of Achievements Of Racialized Canadians Day
Our community used the hashtag #ocsbStandingTogether to connect and share activities on social media.
In preparation for Standing Against Racism Week, Grade 10 students from St. Francis Xavier High School provided impactful feedback on guest speakers, resources, and events, which shaped how the week would roll out.
A logo was created by the OCSB Communications Team Graphic Designer to incorporate the Ubuntu concept of connectedness, along with a focus on love, support, and faith – all of which represent the Catholic school board.
The olive tree depicted in the logo design has a trunk formed by two stylized, intertwined arms reaching upwards. The olive branch has been a universal symbol of peace since it first appeared in the Bible.
Trees symbolize growth, wisdom, and community. The arms and hands that make up the tree trunk symbolize strength, protection, and the power to create change. They are intertwined to reinforce the idea of togetherness and community. The tree bark is presented in different skin tones to symbolize that we are all interconnected.
The tree is set within a circle, representing an embrace of unity, solidarity, and strength. The interior circle is coloured in a yellow-to-white gradient, symbolizing the light of the Holy Spirit that shines through us all. The slogan “Standing Against Racism, We Grow Together” expresses our desire to work and learn as a community to oppose racism.