The power of our stories: 30 years of Black History Month in Canada
TFS marked the 30th anniversary of Black History Month in Canada with an assembly on “the power of our stories,” featuring student speakers and a keynote from Sabine Soumare, Chief of Staff and Private Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.
In honour of Black History Month and the 30th anniversary of its official recognition in Canada, the TFS community gathered for an assembly that invited reflection on history, identity, language, race and belonging.
The morning opened with remarks from Head of School Norman Gaudet, speaking to the central theme of the day: “the power of our own stories.” He reminded students that identity is not merely defined by the perceptions of others, but by the narratives we choose to construct for ourselves. “Every journey, every challenge overcome, every cultural heritage carried with pride is a brick that builds our collective identity,” said M. Gaudet.
This sentiment was echoed in two student speeches. Level V student Tiya H. addressed the subtle ways racism can exist even within well-meaning and educated spaces, urging us to see difference not as a threat, but as the richness it is. Following her, Seydina D., also in Level V, reflected on the strength of being multilingual. He shared how language has helped him build bridges, better understand others and find his place in a diverse and interconnected world.
The tone set by these students led into an inspiring fireside chat with Sabine Soumare, Chief of Staff and Private Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. As a leader in public engagement and the former Director of the Diversity Institute at Toronto Metropolitan University, Soumare brought a wealth of experience to the stage. She spoke candidly about the courage required to be "the first" in certain spaces and the responsibility to open doors for those who follow. Soumare described multilingualism as a "true superpower" and reminded students that leadership begins with the willingness to listen. The morning concluded with a thoughtful Q&A session, where students posed questions that deepened the conversation, reinforcing a central message of the morning: while our individual stories are unique, embracing that uniqueness is what drives us to create a more inclusive future.
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The morning opened with remarks from Head of School Norman Gaudet, speaking to the central theme of the day: “the power of our own stories.” He reminded students that identity is not merely defined by the perceptions of others, but by the narratives we choose to construct for ourselves. “Every journey, every challenge overcome, every cultural heritage carried with pride is a brick that builds our collective identity,” said M. Gaudet.
This sentiment was echoed in two student speeches. Level V student Tiya H. addressed the subtle ways racism can exist even within well-meaning and educated spaces, urging us to see difference not as a threat, but as the richness it is. Following her, Seydina D., also in Level V, reflected on the strength of being multilingual. He shared how language has helped him build bridges, better understand others and find his place in a diverse and interconnected world.
The tone set by these students led into an inspiring fireside chat with Sabine Soumare, Chief of Staff and Private Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. As a leader in public engagement and the former Director of the Diversity Institute at Toronto Metropolitan University, Soumare brought a wealth of experience to the stage. She spoke candidly about the courage required to be "the first" in certain spaces and the responsibility to open doors for those who follow. Soumare described multilingualism as a "true superpower" and reminded students that leadership begins with the willingness to listen. The morning concluded with a thoughtful Q&A session, where students posed questions that deepened the conversation, reinforcing a central message of the morning: while our individual stories are unique, embracing that uniqueness is what drives us to create a more inclusive future.
