**** CNS Media Release
Nova Scotia Schools Celebrate First Black Excellence Day
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Nova Scotia students, teachers and school staff are marking their first Black Excellence Day today, June 17.
Students, teachers, and school staff have been encouraged to wear black t-shirts and host school events that honour and recognize Black excellence.
“All students should feel valued, included and celebrated,” said Becky Druhan, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development. “Black Excellence Day is an opportunity for schools, students and staff to reflect on the achievements of Black students and how their future successes can be supported.”
The day is being held to recognize and celebrate Black student achievements, stories, art, innovations, and people and communities.
Nova Scotia’s Inclusive Education Policy supports the success of African Nova Scotian/Black students and ensures a high-quality, culturally and linguistically responsive and equitable education that advances well-being and achievement.
Quotes:
“Black Excellence Day contributes to realizing the vision begun in the BLAC (Black Learners Advisory Committee) Report on Education by highlighting the brilliance, gifts and talents of Black students. Black Excellence Day honours the first-voice accounts of Black educational leaders historical and current, and their allies throughout the province, as well as the educational opportunities which are inspiring African Nova Scotian students to achieve their promise and potential.”
– Marlene Ruck Simmonds, EdD, Executive Director of African Canadian Services, Education and Early Childhood Development
Quick Facts:
— participants are encouraged to share their Black Excellence Day photos via social media using #NSBlackExcellenceDay
Additional Resources:
Nova Scotia’s commitment to inclusive education: https://www.ednet.ns.ca/inclusive-education
