For the past few years, I’ve spent a lot of time digging into the education system, and I’m often asked what advice I have for Black students.
Honestly, it’s tough for me to answer.
Figuring things out as an adult is hard enough, so I can’t even imagine what it’s like for students—especially in elementary education, where a supportive environment is so important and disparities in discipline can hit them harder than anyone else.
I lead inclusion and belonging workshops in schools. I often work with black elementary students alongside educators and caregivers in schools that don’t have Black teachers. Sometimes, as the only Black person in the building, I step up to be the leader students need to see. I also research and write about the education system. Plus as a parent of two kids in school, I am involved in the parent council every new school year.
My goal has been to navigate this maze of a school system—and push it toward being a more inclusive and equitable place for all kids.
Along the way, I’ve learned a lot. I’ve met the most amazing elementary teachers and principals and worked alongside innovative high school and board-level educators. Now, I won’t claim to have cracked the system— because like, I can barely keep up with all the acronyms! But there’s one thing I know for sure:
The education system isn’t changing fast enough, many educators are working on it – but we have to be part of that change.
The good news? From what I see, they have everything they need to make it happen.
Black students are absolute inspirations
Let’s talk about these children of ours —our future leaders. I don’t know who needs to hear this but: some of you are raising children who are pure fire.
I’ve seen students show a level of awareness, courage, and leadership that I honestly wasn’t expecting—but should have been. I’ve watched grade 6 and 7 kids call out prejudice and bad behaviour in real-time, even when the adults in the room let it slide. They instinctively know when to speak up—for themselves and for others.
Even without the right resources in their classrooms, they’re finding ways to explore Black history and understand just how vital it is. Not just for knowledge’s sake, but because it affirms their identities and pushes back against negative narratives.
I’ve seen high school students carry themselves with a kind of confidence and clarity that’s honestly awe-inspiring. From everyday acts of advocacy to elected student trustees speaking truth in rooms full of officials, parents, and even protestors—these kids show up, speak up, and demand better.
They’ve got a boss-level energy that I definitely didn’t have at their age—and maybe still don’t. And it gives me so much hope.
What Black Students Can Teach Us (If We’re Paying Attention)
Every time I see students assert their ideas and command respect, I find myself wondering: what’s their secret? What have they figured out that lets them move through life—and school—with that kind of confidence and clarity?
What advice would they give to other Black students? Honestly, what advice would they give to me?
That curiosity turned me into a bit of a detective. Now, every time I interact with students, I try to pay close attention to what they’re teaching us—through their words, their actions, and the way they show up in the world.
This isn’t just about grades or academic success. The students I meet—across many of our Ontario public schools—are showing us what empowerment, resilience, and brilliance look like in real time. And they learn best when supported by educators who get it—who understand their lived experiences and actively work to push back against bias in the classroom.
I know I’ve only scratched the surface of what these folks have to offer. If we could bottle up their energy and insight, we’d change the game school by school.
Because what I’ve learned from them isn’t just good advice for Black students—it’s proof that the magic already exists. We just have to be wise enough to learn from it.
3 Powerful Lessons for Black Students And the Parents Who’ve Got Their Back:
The First Advice for Black Students? Take Up Space—Especially Where You’re Least Expected.
One thing I’ve learned from watching Black students thrive in Ontario schools: the boldest ones don’t wait for permission to show up. They take up space—loudly, confidently, and without apology.
These students don’t just walk into classrooms; they own the room. Even when they’re the only Black student in the class, even when the culture or the vibe says they don’t quite “fit,” they show up anyway—with their heads high, their points sharp, and their presence undeniable.
They face real challenges—being the only one, dealing with racism, navigating classrooms that weren’t built with their reality in mind. But still, they find ways to make space for themselves and for others. Whether it’s in class discussions, leadership roles, or cultural events, they challenge the idea that diversity is a checkbox instead of a lived experience.
And it’s not just in school. Whether they’re athletes, debaters, artists, or tech whizzes, these students show up in spaces where people might not expect them—and that’s exactly the point. Every step they take says, “I belong here.”
It’s powerful. It’s necessary. And it’s the first piece of advice I’d offer any Black student: Take up space. All of it.
The Second Lesson? Embrace That DNGAF Energy.
One thing I’ve learned from watching our young people thrive: the ones who shine the brightest aren’t trying to fit into anyone else’s picture of who they should be.
The pressure to blend in—especially in a school system that often centres white students and leaves Black culture out of the curriculum—can be overwhelming. But the students I see making a difference? They don’t shrink. They don’t contort themselves to be more “acceptable.” They show up fully, proudly, and unapologetically themselves.
The vibe these students radiate is a confidence rooted in self-love and acceptance. They meet people where they are, creating a kind of ease around them—a haven of understanding in spaces that often lack it.
And the student trustees I see at board meetings? They’re like walking billboards for authenticity and electricity. Their passion for equity and the rights of others doesn’t come from reading a textbook—it’s anchored in their lived experiences and their full embrace of who they are. It’s magnetic. And it’s contagious. That kind of authenticity sparks a chain reaction—an empowerment cycle that keeps growing.
The DNGAF spirit isn’t about being difficult or defiant. It’s about standing tall in your truth. It’s the kind of energy that cracks open doors, builds real connections, and allows our young people to challenge the system on their own terms.
And when they start asking the big, uncomfortable, necessary questions? That’s when the real change starts.
So take this from the boldest students I know: Let your authenticity be your armour. Let it anchor your decisions, protect your peace, and light the path for others to walk through.
Third Lesson – Lean Into Your Power (It’s Yours for a Reason)
Here’s the thing about power: it’s not always loud. Sometimes, it’s that quiet strength inside you—the kind that shows up exactly when it’s needed.
I remember when a teacher tried to steer me toward basic-level high school courses, deciding that “people like me” would do better there. It wasn’t data that guided her—it was bias. But it was my Black classmates who stepped in and changed everything. They encouraged me to take advanced courses, even when I doubted myself. That moment changed my path. And they may never know they were my superheroes back then.
Today, there are more resources out there—courses, lesson plans, and materials created to support the teaching of Black history and culture in schools. These tools reflect our communities and help ensure that Black students see themselves in what they’re learning. But the greatest resource will always be each other.
Our young people continue to show us what real power looks like. We’ve all seen it—when students speak out, document injustice, or use their voice, social media or other platforms to make a difference. But power doesn’t only show up in viral moments.
Power is also in the quiet acts: encouraging a friend, leaning on your parents or trusted adults, standing beside someone who needs backup in class, or simply being present with your full self in spaces that don’t always make room for you.
Whether it’s in the classroom, the hallway, or the group chat, these students know they’ve got their own kind of magic—and they’re not afraid to use it.
What can parents do to support Black students?
To all the amazing parents out there, creating safe spaces and raising these powerful, brilliant young minds —I see you. Every time I witness a student standing tall, speaking truth, or pushing for change, I know there’s a village behind them. And I know that village includes Aunties, Cousins, and Uncles who show up with love and strength.
Your efforts already make a huge impact. But I wouldn’t be me if I didn’t ask for a little more.
Even the most confident, empowered student still needs backup. They need someone who sees their light and isn’t afraid to challenge a system that often refuses to. Especially in schools, where Black kids are too often misunderstood, underestimated, or unfairly disciplined—they need us to be more than supportive. They need us to be present. Loud. Unapologetically in their corner.
In our home, I’ve equipped my kids with a go-to line: “You might need to call my mom.”
That’s the bat signal. I teach my children to use it when they feel ill at ease and that I will show up, no questions asked.
As caregivers, we need to be part of creating support our children may not otherwise get —whether it’s by showing up at school, asking the hard questions, or providing the information educators need to create inclusive, safe learning spaces where conversations about race, identity, and discrimination are handled with care.
The road isn’t easy. But with parents standing strong beside their children, we make it just a little less hard.
So here’s the truth, plain and simple: The reality – from preschool to high school – is that Black kids need us caregivers to have their back. Always. No exceptions.
It’s Essential You Be unapologetically You.
The best advice for Black students starts with this: your experiences matter, your voice matters, and your presence is powerful. In an education system that still has a long way to go—especially in public education across Ontario and Canada—your brilliance is not up for debate.
Every time you speak up, ask a question, or just show up as yourself, you’re making space—not just for you, but for others too. The students I’ve seen thrive aren’t shrinking to fit —they’re showing up fully and reminding schools what real inclusion should look like. And if you ever need a little boost, these 101 Inspirational Quotes for Students might give you just the nudge you need.
So here’s the message: be unapologetically you. Let your authenticity be your armour. It’s your power.
And parents—our role in all this? It matters just as much. We can’t be in every classroom, but we can make sure our children know we’re behind them, from their first year in school to their last. We can speak up, ask questions, and show up to support Black students in ways big and small. Start conversations —with your child, with their school, with other parents. If you’re not sure where to begin, sign up to receive our Parent Advocacy Toolkit. It’s full of practical tips and resources to help you take that first step and stay engaged all school year long.
We also have to keep Black Canadian history front and centre—not just during one month, but year-round. That’s how we build curriculum and classrooms that reflect and respect our kids.
Our students are leading. Their voices are strong, their actions are powerful, and their potential? It’s limitless.
Let’s match their energy. Let’s be the support system they deserve.
