Black Excellence Day 2026: What Black excellence means to Johnston Heights Secondary students
Today, Surrey Schools is proud to support Black Excellence Day, a movement recognizing Black history, stories, art and people, as well as encouraging education and dialogue on the history of racism and civil rights in Canada.
“Black Excellence Day is an opportunity to stand in solidarity with Black Canadians and honour the rich history, contributions, achievements, resilience and joy of Black people,” said JB Mahli, Director of Instruction for Racial Equity. “We continue to celebrate Black excellence in our students and staff by raising their voices today and year-round through culturally responsive initiatives in our ongoing pursuit of racial equity.”
Recognized every Jan. 15, Black Excellence Day coincides with the birthday of American civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and is reserved to promote racial inclusivity, highlight inequality and acknowledge the ongoing civil rights struggle of Black and racialized Canadians. The day itself is also a chance to show support by wearing black.
This year, students from Johnston Heights Secondary were asked to define Black excellence in a video that will be shared provincewide in a live virtual Black Excellence Day event, hosted by the Ninandotoo Anti-Racism Society and the Burnaby School District. The video also includes an elementary voice from a Mountainview Montessori student.
“It’s important to celebrate Black excellence because it counteracts stereotypes that we find a lot in our communities and can inspire people to do better in the community. Overall, Black excellence just makes the community a better place and educates people on what real Black excellence is.” – Eyoel Andargachew, Grade 11
“Black excellence celebrates Black achievement, creativity and leadership, and highlights the strength and resilience of Black people who continue to rise and inspire. It honours our past, celebrates our present and empowers our future. It reminds us that Black voices and talents help shape our society.” – Tumininu Seriki, Grade 11
“Black excellence is the perseverance to overcome systematic obstacles, and not just to overcome those systematic obstacles, but excel. We celebrate Black excellence to recognize those who embody actually Black excellence and commend them for their resilience and diligence to exceed expectations.” – Josh Babunga, Grade 9
“Black excellence to me is the fact that Black people should be able to hold their heads up and to be proud of their heritage. Why should Black people feel different or feel weird just because of their skin colour? Everyone is human and everyone bleeds the same. Black people should be celebrated because they are human and their life is important, as well as every other life out there.” – Anu Oyewo, Grade 10
“Black excellence to me is a representation of resilience and a fight for the Black culture throughout the century, and even recently, we fight for it because of structured racism.” – Superior Akinadewo, Grade 11
Today, thousands of Surrey and White Rock students from nearly every school in the district will join others from the province in the live virtual Black Excellence Day event, taking place on Zoom from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Johnston Heights Secondary’s video will be part of the provincewide presentation, and the event will feature discussions on the contributions of Black Canadians and their ongoing civil rights struggle.
Events such as these are powerful opportunities to learn, promote inclusivity, acceptance and equity in our schools and communities.
