We are Black History

Black Connections HS is a club that consists of Black mentors from the community and educators from the Abbotsford School District. Black Connections HS aims to build a safe, supportive and uplifting environment for our Black students as well as present opportunities for the Black youth in the Abbotsford School District.

“Being part of Black Connections has given me the opportunity to feel seen in an environment that so many of us have struggled to feel connected in… It has taught me how to be a leader, celebrating culture and helping expand the reach to those that need to be heard!” - Sierra Webster, grade 12.

This club provides opportunities to gather in Black solidarity and engages students in various team-building activities. Our most recent place-based learning opportunity in Vancouver included a historic Hogan’s Alley tour and visiting the first-ever Black Library in British Columbia.

“Black Connections is a place where I feel safe. Where I know I am not alone. A place where I can just be myself with no judgment.” - Adriela Aulum, grade 11.

Black Connections meets bi-weekly at Yale Secondary School. On average, Black Connections has 40 students attending, with at least one student representative from every Secondary School in Abbotsford.

“... I have learned so much about others and discovered even more about myself. Black Connections has given me a safe space to talk about things no one else would understand. Black Connections has given me so many opportunities… I have met so many awesome people while being in this club. My favourite memory was having a potluck at my school and then playing pickup basketball in the gym with all the leaders.” -Samara Mason, grade 12.

We look forward to the future of Black Connections, growing as a club and continuously working towards our mission of cultivating the Black community and in turn, helping the greater community. If you would like to know more about the club or how to get involved, please contact Shayla Bird, teacher representative of Black Connections, at shayla.bird@abbyschools.ca

SHAYLA BIRD, TEACHER
Colleen and Gordie Howe Middle