On the January 15, 2023, students from Vancouver Technical Secondary attended the third annual Black Excellence Day led by the Burnaby School District in partnership with Ninandotoo Society. The event was designed to bring together thousands of people from across B.C. to honour together Black achievements, stories, art, people, joy, love and history. 

Six student attendees from Vancouver Technical shared with us what the day meant to them.

What made you want to attend this event?

I have grown to learn the impact and importance of feeling a sense of Black pride and community. Any opportunity to hear from excellent Black achievers in my community I will take, especially with the lack of Black representation many Black students in B.C. feel.
– Nola Charles, Grade 12

I am always looking to learn from and connect with Black youth and educators because there is a lack of education and representation of Black culture at my own school.
– Reese Saito, Grade 11

I wanted to create connections with my fellow Black students and potentially meet new, like-minded people.
– Ruth Mvukiyehe, Grade 12

I wanted to be a part of a bigger community and celebrate Black Excellence with excellent Black youth.
– Nil Uslu, Grade 12

I was excited to celebrate Black excellence outside our school, while hearing from role models and connecting with Black youth from other schools.
– Sicily Richards, Grade 12  

I wanted to feel the Black culture and influence, not just be told about it.
– Emmanuel Fraser, Grade 12

What is something you learned today that you think more people should know?

Minnie Jean Brown-Trickey, one of the Little Rock Nine students, shared how her resilience was her smile. Her words made me think more about resilience and how entering a space with so much hate toward you, something seemingly simple like smiling can be a strong symbol of resilience. I think people, especially youth, should be more aware of the impacts they can make. It's easy to feel as though your achievements are small or words don't have much meaning, but they do.    
– Nola Charles, Grade 12

Social justice advocacy is a life sentence.
– Reese Saito, Grade 11

Carl Valentine is black.
– Ruth Mvukiyehe, Grade 12

Love the body your born in.
– Emmanuel Fraser, Grade 12

Black solidarity and pride are stronger than hate.
– Nil Uslu, Grade 12

It is either non-violence or non-existence.
– Sicily Richards, Grade 12 

Why is a day like today important for students?

A day like Black Excellence Day is extremely important because it allows students from diverse backgrounds to honour their heritage and feel a sense of community. For students of colour, it's easy to feel like your experiences with inequitable education and opportunity are unnoticed and the value of your voice and achievements are underlooked. A day like today made Black students feel supported and cherished, if we continue to celebrate all students for their diverse backgrounds and perspectives, they will have a brighter future.
– Nola Charles, Grade 12

As there are very few Black students at most Vancouver schools, it's easy to lose sight of the community of Black youth in B.C. BEX events not only remind me that there are students who look like me and face similar struggles but provide opportunities to learn and connect with one another.
– Reese Saito, Grade 11

Black Excellence Day is a reminder of not only Black struggles and oppression but also Black pride. As important as it is to learn about all the challenges Black people have and continue to go through, it is also important to recognize not just oppression, but our rich African heritage.
– Nil Uslu, Grade 12

A day like Black Excellence Day is important for students as it celebrates and highlights the achievements and contributions of Black individuals. I think it can definitely bring a sense of belonging, empowering students from the Black community to strive for success in various fields.
– Ruth Mvukiyehe, Grade 12

A day like Black Excellence day provides a platform for Black students to celebrate and learn about their diversity. This day holds so much importance due to the significant underrepresentation in Black communities that has taken place for so long. Black Excellence Day, is a time to shed light recognize and celebrate the achievements of those in the Black community.
– Sicily Richards, Grade 12