CPHS Black History Projects bring history to life with student art, research, and drama
CARLETON PLACE – Black History Month projects from intermediate students at Carleton Place High School aim to inspire a younger generation to learn more about Black trailblazers.
Grade 7 and 8 students in the school’s Power Up Program—a program for students who require intensive academic support and alternative programming—are creating a book about the A to Zs of Black History Month. The visual dictionary will be used for elementary students as an introduction to Black History Month.
Students are using an educational website that features a Periodic Table of Black Canadian History, including links and background information on influential Black writers, musicians, entrepreneurs and poets. They gather that information and use Canva to create graphics and written profiles for the book.
“I chose Chloe Cooley, an enslaved black woman in the late 1700s, who became a symbol of resistance in the fight for freedom,” said Grade 8 student Chloe Sexsmith. “The book can help younger students learn about people and what they went through, and that everybody matters. We all bleed the same colour.”
“We’ve incorporated history, reading, some drama, and geography,” explains classroom teacher Dan Papple. “It’s a great way for students to practice their reading skills while learning important content. We’ve had some great discussions through this project, and it will continue well past the end of the month.”
In Kristina Falcionis’ Grade 7/8 French Immersion class, students are diving into Black Canadian history through reading, research, and creative projects.
The Grade 8 students are exploring articles from Kayak: Canada’s History Magazine for Kids, published by Canada’s History Society and summarizing key ideas and creating visuals to help others better understand the historical events and experiences discussed. Their work includes picture timelines on the history of slavery in Canada and dramatic reenactments of significant moments such as Viola Desmond’s arrest and the discrimination Black men faced when attempting to enlist during the Second World War.
Grade 7 students are researching influential Black Canadians, writing biographies, and placing them on a collaborative class timeline to better understand historical context and impact. Inspired by American artist Phil Hansen, students are creating detailed micrography portraits of the individuals they studied, blending art, writing, and drama.
“I chose Jully Black because I really love music and theatre, and she was involved in all of that,” said Grade 7 student Olivia Anderson. “I felt connected through her music, singing, and presentations. She’s Canadian—a person you can look up to.”
Projects from each class will continue into March, and when complete, students hope to share their work with Carleton Place elementary schools, including Arklan Community Public School, Beckwith Public School and Caldwell Street Public School.
Media release submitted by the UCDSB.
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