York Region District School Board Black students celebrated
July 24, 2023
It was quite the week in early June for Markville Secondary School student Brandon Hazelwood.
The recipient of two scholarships administered by the Alliance of Educators for Black Students (AEBS) was unable to attend the celebration on June 8 because it was Prom Night.
The next day was his 18th birthday and his gift from family members was a trip to New York a few hours later to celebrate the milestone.
“I feel blessed,” said Hazelwood who won the Black Foundation of Community Networks (BCFN) and Pat Daley Memorial Scholarships. “I have worked hard and it is good to be rewarded for that.”
The teenager, who enjoys writing, recently penned a 10-page memoir offering an inside look at the life of his maternal grandfather, Eglon Weir, who died in March 2021.
“He was my mentor,” said Hazelwood. “He taught me almost everything I know and I was always at his home which is very close to ours.”
The young man secured the maximum amount of entrance scholarships worth $7,000 to start his post-secondary studies at Tyndale University.
“The goal is to become an entrepreneur,” noted Hazelwood who is in the Business Administration program.
The BFCN scholarship recognizes a student who is excelling in academics or the arts while the Pat Daley Memorial Scholarship goes to a student entering college or university.
Founded in 2011, the BFCN offers advocacy and resources to Black communities across the province while Daley was a retired YRDSB Principal who died in November 2018.
Thornhill Secondary School student Yahya Yusef was the other BFCN scholarship winner.
Though busy with studies, it is amazing that Maple High School graduate Stefan Walker found time for so many extracurricular activities.
He sat on the executive of the Mathematics, Economics, Chemistry and Future Business leaders of America clubs, mentored students in French and Science and was a Youth Dream Canada tutor.
Walker plans to pursue Computer Engineering studies at the University of Toronto.
“I just feel like this field is growing and it will be a major part of society,” the Revolution Now scholarship winner said. “I want to be a part of that.”
Hilda Bynoe-Walker, an educator with the Toronto District School Board, is very proud of her son.
“I came to Canada from Barbados as an international student and eventually made this country my home,” she said. “At a very young age, Stefan showed great interest in learning and in science and math. Now I am seeing it come full circle which is so fulfilling.”
Stefan Walker & mom Hilda Bynoe-Walker (Photo by Ron Fanfair)
Pierre Elliott Trudeau High School graduate Justin Gray, who will pursue Illustration Studies in September at the Ontario College of Art & Design University, also received a Revolution Now scholarship.
Revolution Now is a social movement that aims to provide visibility, opportunity and a community for racialized and marginalized people.
In addition to awarding scholarships, they provide employment opportunities for youths with a strong interest in graphic arts.
Cyanne John is creative and athletic.
In collaboration with Wendat Village Public School Black Student Alliance and Bill Crothers Secondary School, she made a video last year to raise awareness about the significance of Black hair in Black culture.
“By educating individuals, the hope was to empower, support and uplift students’ questioning their self-worth because of differences in hair,” the high school graduate said.
Still undecided about the university she will attend, John plans to study Film & Video Production.
An outstanding basketball player, the six-foot guard took part in this year’s Biosteel All Canadian game at the University of Toronto Goldring Centre.
Cyanne John & her mom Rolanda Coe (Photo by Ron Fanfair)
John was the Ontario Basketball Scholastic Association Prep League 2022-23 Pool ‘B’ Defensive Player of the Year
The career goal is to make it to the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).
Seeing her daughter overcome struggles and develop consistency in her life pleases Rolanda Coe who was born and raised in Nova Scotia.
“She is just a great student and person and someone who will do anything for anyone,” said the Toronto Police Service Court Officer. “She has a heart of gold and is very adamant about achieving the goals she set.”
John was the recipient of the Jaymyi Lesmond $1,000 scholarship granted to a student who takes initiative in starting or collaborating in a business venture or demonstrate activism for a personal or community cause.
“I believe there needs to be more focus on Black business, sustainability and growth in the community,” said the YRDSB Digital Engagement Consultant. “The traditional opportunities are limited for most kids, especially Black kids. There needs to be more self-sustaining ways to grow the economy.”
Other scholarship recipients were Taeja Octeau of Stouffville District Secondary School who won the Delia Harriott scholarship and Newmarket High School graduate Fola Olusanya who was presented the Shae Carter Memorial Award.
Harriott is a former provincial government employee who supports women’s empowerment through education and Carter passed away in May 2022 at the age of 22.
In addition to the seven scholarships, 101 secondary and 122 elementary students were awarded Certificates of Excellence.
AEBS member Charlotte Reid
Trinity Baxter, who next school semester is entering Grade Nine at Markham District High School, said the elementary school experience was challenging at times.
“I am coming from a school that didn’t have many students that look like me,” she said. “I worked hard and am happy to see that it is being recognized. I will continue to work hard and I want to go into health sciences.”
Trinity Baxter & her mother Nicole Baxter-Lyn (Photo by Ron Fanfair)
Baxter’s mother, Nicole Baxter-Lyn, is a Ministry of Education Provincial Student Achievement Officer.
“Over the years, it has been challenging with some of the anti-Black racism stuff she has had to deal with,” said the Canadian Multicultural LEAD Organization for Mentoring & Training Vice-President, Research Director & Co-Founder. “To see her emerge triumphantly makes me very proud.”
YRDSB Interim Director of Education Scott Yake acknowledged the opportunity to celebrate Black excellence.
“It is nights like this that remind me why we do this work,” he said. “When you look across the audience, there is a stunning display of excellence and we are so proud to celebrate the achievements of the brightest and the best that York region has to offer.”
Yake said YRDSB values the achievements and unique identities of its 128,000 students in over 200 schools.
“It is important that our education system celebrates the identities of all our community members, including students and families from the Black community,” he noted. “Celebrating and affirming Black identities is critical to furthering student success and well-being. Our Black students need to feel seen, heard and respected in their classrooms every day through the school year each year. By honouring and uplifting the identities of our Black students, we are able to provide them with the support that is critical to their achievement and well-being as they pursue their education and life goals.”
Vilma Cornelius, Camille Logan, Paul DeLyon and Cecil Roach founded AEBS.
Before making remarks, Roach asked the award and scholarship winners to stand and be recognized by their families, friends and other supporters.
“Before you sit, I want you to know that we support you,” he told the young people. “I also want you to know that you have excellence in your DNA. The stories of underachievement of Black students have been told too often. You are capable of achieving and having a fantastic educational trajectory.”
Roach also acknowledged parents for entrusting their children to YRDSB schools.
“Thank you for sending us the best that you have and we are looking after them,” said the Board’s Associate Director with responsibility for Equitable Outcomes & Schools. “I know you have big dreams for these young people. I want to assure you they will realize them.”
Cecil Roach (Photo by Ron Fanfair)
In invoking the name of landowner Dennis Hill who, in 1852, wrote to Upper Canada’s Chief Superintendent of Education Egerton Ryerson after trustees refused to allow his 11-year-old son to attend the common school because of his skin colour, Roach reminded the audience that Black families have been lobbying and advocating for their children’s education for a long time.
The owner of 300 acres of land of which about 90 acres were cultivated close to the school was among the largest taxpayers in the school district his son was barred from attending.
The last segregated schools were closed in Ontario in 1965.
“You are standing on the shoulders of people like Mr. Hill and the expectation is that you will do well in our schools, our schools will affirm your identity and you know that success is possible,” noted Roach.
In the keynote address, psychotherapist Roxanne Francis shared her journey from humble beginnings in Jamaica to a business owner and adjunct university professor and implored the students to strive for excellence.
“To all of you under the sound of my voice tonight, as you are navigating this world, I want you to keep asking yourself, ‘Why not me’? “It can often be uncomfortable when you are the only or one of the few Black faces in any space. But I say to you – use it your advantage. Take up space.”
Roxanne Francis (Photo by Ron Fanfair)
Francis said that growing up in Jamaica where people that looked like her were rooting for her success ‘was my secret weapon’.
“When I moved to Canada, the landscape looked a little different, but I carried that ‘why not me’ spirit everywhere,” she added. “When I would sit in a room as the only Black face, I thought ‘well, they are going to see what this Black girl can do’ because I felt the strength of my community back home. You may not have come here from Jamaica, but look around this room. Everyone here is rooting for you. Close your eyes, put your hand on your heart and take a deep breath as you breathe in the collective strength. It is yours to carry.
“Your presence here tonight suggests that your future is already bright. Even if your life goes sideways, an amazing future is still possible. The only time you have failed is if you stop trying. Never stop asking questions, never stop dreaming and never stop trying. The future is yours.”
