High school club in B.C.'s Fraser Valley provides connection and support for Black students
CBC
Four friends gather inside a classroom at Yale Secondary School in Abbotsford, B.C., 70 kilometres east of Vancouver. Their connection radiates trust and understanding as they laugh, listen, and have serious conversations about growing up being Black in B.C.'s Fraser Valley.
Sierra Webster, Mainza Mwale, Pierre Lollar and Ashour Ashour are all part of Black Connections HS.
Their teacher Shayla Bird says the club has been striving since 2021 to empower Black high school students in Abbotsford.
"Students were experiencing a lot of anti-Black racism and didn't really have the people or the resources to act on what they wanted to see."
In B.C., the Black population is growing, but at a slower pace compared to neighbouring provinces, according to Statistics Canada. The club's members say Black students continue to face racism and isolation, which is why it's important to have an uplifting and supportive space.
"This space really takes Black excellency to the next level. It really is a safe place," said Mainza Mwale.
Members say a safe space means having open and difficult conversations about racism and identity in high schools.
For Sierra Webster, it meant finding more confidence to speak about her mixed identity.
"I think I never really knew where I fit … [if] I should act more white or if I should act more Black. And I think I've really struggled with finding that in between for so long."
For Mwale and Pierre Lollar, the club feels like family.
"I can go to get all my frustration out and talk to people who understand where I'm coming from about my issues and racism," said Mwale.
WATCH | Students and their teacher discuss the club's importance to them:
The volunteer-run club has about 100 members, with 60 students regularly attending biweekly after-school meetings.
Bird says it's been the busiest Black History Month for the group, which has been receiving several emails a day asking for support and help.