Ontario adding mandatory Black history learning to Grades 7 8 and 10 history courses

Ontario's education Minister says the province is introducing mandatory learning about the contributions of black Canadians it'll be taught in history courses in grades 7 8 and 10 the updated curriculum is expected to roll out in September of 2025 Mana danab Ballin joins us live tonight with more on this good evening manissa good evening Taz in the meantime the province is launching consultations with historians educators and the black community to make the new additions school boards and teachers are happy about the news black women and men played defining role in this country's history Ontario's education Minister Steven leche says starting next school year students in grade seven and8 will learn about the contributions black individuals made to build Canada from the 18th century to the 20th century pre-confederation and then in grade 10 history they'll be educated on postor War II history and and those who had role in the advancement of civil human rights didn't grow up having the you know access to learning black history in the school system had to learn it on my own you know whether it was through family and friends or the library but it wasn't something that was you know readily available to us Erica Alexander says her grandfather The Honorable Lincoln Alexander would be proud he was the first black Canadian Member of Parliament in 1968 cabinet minister and leftenant governor of Ontario at least now that will be something that is very accessible to them Debra Buchanan Walford has been teacher for more than decade she says this gives students the opportunity to learn from credible sources and avoid being exposed to misinformation online the deconstructing anti-black racism course that is taught in some school boards right now is only taught in grade 12 at that point it's lot of information to be learning as you're leaving high school she adds that learning at younger age also helps prevent anti-black racism when you learn about someone when you learn about their culture you know we can avoid microaggressions like why does your hair look like that why does your food smell like that you know why do you sound like that she welcomes the move but says it's just start what we're really looking for is mandatory African history or afro Heritage History curriculum and for all grades right from to 12 she also adds that the province should provide adequate resources for teachers to deliver this curriculum correctly like lessons that are ready to go for the first roll out and time for teachers to learn the content themselves The Province also introduced new math language and science curricula they'll also make updates that prepare students for future jobs in the future back to you