Hello everyone,

“On January 15th, students and educators across BC will wear black shirts to commemorate the ongoing struggle for civil and human rights fought by Black and racialized Canadians. At ARC (Anti-Racism Coalition) we believe Black Shirt Day is an important step in raising greater awareness of the civil rights struggle, and help foster solidarity against all forms of racism and hate.” (from ARC flier, @arc.vancouver).

Below is a read aloud of the book Sulwe read by its author, Lupita Nyong’o. Sulwe is a great story to start discussions about racism and diversity. Sulwe is a little girl whose classmates make fun of her dark skin. Throughout the story Sulwe (and us, as readers) learn and understand that all skin colours are beautiful, and beauty is inside a person as well as outside.

I hope you enjoy this story as much as I did! It makes me think of all the beautiful people and skin colours at Nelson school, and how each and every person is important to our school community. Making fun of others for their skin colour (or anything) is unacceptable, and we, at Nelson, treat everyone with respect.

Happy Reading,

Mrs. Roberts