A record number of school districts joined the Burnaby Schools province-wide Black Excellence Day event, which honours the rich history, achievements and joy of Black communities.
Hosted by the Burnaby School District and co-planned with the , more than 20,000 students from 28 school districts viewed the video event – the largest number of districts since the event began in 2022.
A live audience also participated at Byrne Creek Community School on January 15. Student voices, including as speakers, were at the centre of the celebration for children and youth from Grades 4 to 12.
Fatma Said, a Grade 11 student who is part of the Black Excellence Club at Cariboo Hill Secondary, shared with the province what Black excellence means to her.
When people hear the term Black excellence, they start to immediately assume that it means being on the top, like with perfect grades or having several awards… I think that it’s way more significant than that. It’s about recognizing those Black students who really contribute to the community and not just when we’re excelling.â€
The fifth annual Black Excellence Day event offered an opportunity to learn about Black history and lived experiences. Fatma and fellow Grade 11 student Jenny Biar created a segment for the audience to learn about Black innovators, with technical work on the video done by students in Cariboo Hill’s Black Excellence Club.
ÎçÒ¹·òÆÞ¸£Àû¾ç³¡ Chair Kristin Schnider also spoke as part of the event.
“The voices of Black Canadian students, staff, families and community leaders continue to show us what it means to create spaces of belonging, possibility, and joy.â€
Artists, athletes, educators and other leaders who are accomplished in their fields were featured, such as: writer and film maker Anthony Brown; actor and performing artist Sam Darkoh; journalist Michael Newman; poet and spoken word artist Jillian Christmas; and R&B and gospel artists Janelle Reid and Khari Wendell McClelland.
Across the province, many classrooms and clubs watched the broadcast, sparking conversation, reflection and learning about Black excellence.
To see highlights from this year’s event, click .
Read below about more opportunities in Burnaby Schools to celebrate culture, strengthen and support diversity.
Learning Through Indigenous Teachings and Honouring Culture – Multiple Stories
Honouring Deaf Identity Through Connection and Culture – September 2025
BCSD Receives Proclamation Celebrating Deaf People – September 2025
District-initiated Exhibit Showcases Newcomers’ Settlement – July 2025
ÎçÒ¹·òÆÞ¸£Àû¾ç³¡ for Accessibility and Inclusion – June 2025
District Hosts Record-Breaking Provincial Event – May 2025
Sharing and Learning Through Cultural Experiences – May 2025
Honouring Significant Days with Sharing and Connection – March 2025
A Journey Through Time: Exploring Black History Month – February 2025
Learning About Culture and Celebrating Lunar New Year – February 2025
More than Words: Connection and Story – February 2025
Thousands Across BC Join District-Hosted Black Excellence Day Event – January 2025
Illuminating Connection Through Culture and Community – November 2024
Deaf Awareness Flags Flown for First Time at Schools – October 2024
Unique Experiences Support Students Who are New to Canada – June 2024
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Showcase Draws Record Numbers – May 2024
Learning About Cultures and the Strength in Our Differences – April 2024
Celebrating Black History Month and Beyond – February 2024
Student Voice Elevated at District-led Black Excellence Day Event – January 2024
Celebrating the Strengths in our Differences and Working to Dismantle Racism – December 2023
Students’ Post-Secondary Horizons Ignited in Black Futures Program – May 2023
Cultural Traditions and Practices Honoured – May 2023
Student Presenters Shine: Many Earn Top Honours – April 2023
Sharing Culture and Celebrating Expressions of Who We Are – March 2023
Celebrating and Reflecting During Black History Month – February 2023
Students Presenting at Black Excellence Day Event for Thousands – January 2023
Celebrating Black Excellence Beyond Black History Month – October 2022
Next Steps Coming: Action on Racism – September 2022
Anti-Racism Lead Nominated for Premier’s Award for Work in District – September 2022
Raising Diverse Student Voices and Opportunities – May 2022
Honouring Community Traditions and Practices – May 2022
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Pride Showcased at Event – April 2022
Honouring and Learning About Black History – February 2022
District Hosting Black Excellence Day for Thousands – January 2022
Dismantling Racism: Invitation to Engagement Process – May 2021
Asian Heritage Month: Honouring, Celebrating and Taking Action – May 2021
Black History Month: Celebrating & Learning – February 2021
Supporting Black Shirt Day – January 2021
Deafblind Student Publishes Book Accessible for All Children – January 2021
Continuing Our Journey: Supporting Anti-Racism – October 2020
Action on Racism: ÎçÒ¹·òÆÞ¸£Àû¾ç³¡ – June 2020
Student’s Personal Quest Before Losing Sight Leads to School First – June 2019
Inspiring Academy Award Winning Actress Visits Burnaby School – March 2019
Celebrating Black History Month in Burnaby Schools – February 2019Ìý
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Posted January 2026