Since 1600, Black people in Canada have helped shape every aspect of Canadian society and led movements towards justice and inclusion. Despite the long history of Black cultures in Canada, Black people are still underrepresented in Canadian political life, and face systemic racism in Canada’s educational and justice systems. 

On February 1st, Shondra Durrant, Keliah Casey and Sarah Steadman released Black History Month: a 15-minute video they released on Instagram’s IGTV platform. Since then, it’s gotten over 8,000 views — they say they’ve received a lot of positive feedback. 

it was a video focused on experiences of local Black high school students and community members, and it dived into aspects of Black history. 

“I Just tried to reassure them, that this is important — it’s beneficial to all of us,” said Casey, who led the organizing of the video’s guest speakers. 

Students spoke about their experience growing up in Barrie and their own identities as Black people. 

And they say they want change: the high school students say their school doesn’t teach Black history, or celebrate Black History month in a meaningful way. The burden, says Durrant, often falls on Black people to keep Black History month on the forefront. 

In the future, they want to see their school spend more time focusing on Black history and celebrating the rich cultural traditions of Black people in Barrie. 

“I think I want them to do more, just pay attention, reach out to their Black students — ask them what they want,” said Casey. “We know what we want.”

SamGillett speaks with the video creators on Black History month, change they want to see, and how white people can be more effective allies in the fight against anti-Black racism.