in my email and I received an email back from him asking if he could come to my house to talk with me about my email and what my ideas were. I prepared for my meeting by highlighting my research and wrote a list of questions for Sean. I made a presentation to the school board in October virtually and
it instantly created a huge presence in our local media. If you search Rihanna Harris on Google you can see many different media outlets talking about what I said and what I was trying to get implemented. I also wrote an article for the Times, my local newspaper. I was a special junior reporter on our local radio station (Country FM 99.3) for Black History Month where I interviewed many people of colour who have contributed to our country. I interviewed Jean Augustine, Rosemary Sadlier, Donovan Bailey and our local MPP Todd Smith.
VOICE: What did you say in your deputation to the Hastings Prince Edward School Board about why Black history should be included in the local curriculum.
RH: I started my deputation with “I’m doing this for every other child who’s a person of colour and for our generations to come. It’s important that I stand up for what is right and be part of making a change for the better. If I could change the perspective or add perspective to one person’s mind this would start a chain of positive reaction.” We have an opportunity to make positive change and make our
education more inclusive. I 100 percent believe that this will only make a more positive environment for all students.
We will be opening doors, changing perspectives, shedding
light on, having conversations about and having opportunities for a more diverse and inclusive education. Black history being mandatory in our curriculum can do so many positive things. I think that it is time for change and there is no more appropriate time than the present. Teaching Black history can only improve all students’ education,
not only the racialized students who are attending school, but all of our students who attend our schools locally.
VOICE: How have other kids reacted to your activism. What would you say to other kids your age about why it’s important to speak up for what they believe in and how they can get active?
RH: Many kids in my community have reached out to me through email, social media and contacting my parents to tell me how I have inspired them to speak up and to thank me for having the courage to do so. Many children of colour have been experienc- ing racist incidents and have been too afraid to speak up. This has been one of the greatest things that could have happened, knowing that by using my voice I can make a difference in other children’s lives. I think that it is important to speak up for what you believe in. We are the next generation and if we would like to see the world be a better place we need to be a part of making the change to do so. Using your voice is such a powerful tool. I would love to see Black history be part of our daily education and mandatory for all schools across Canada. n
ELEMENTARY TEACHERS’ FEDERATION OF ONTARIO 17
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