The Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) recognizes that an equitable, inclusive education system is fundamental to achieving its mission and evolving core priorities. The DCDSB recognizes that any form of overt or covert racism and discrimination is incompatible with Catholic values and is in violation of the Ontario Human Rights Code.
The DCDSB is committed to listening to its diverse communities and to addressing disparities within the board, with a view to cultivating a board community that promotes human rights, equity, anti-racism and inclusion. The collaboration with the Anti-Black Racism and Black Excellence Advisory Committee provides a medium for effectively addressing and dismantling disadvantages and discrimination, historical or otherwise, experienced by Black students, staff and families in our Board.
Download the Anti-Black Racism and Black Excellence Advisory Committee Brochure.
Terms of Reference
Click here to view the Terms of Reference for the Anti-Black Racism and Black Excellence Advisory Committee
2025-2026 Committee Members
- Nicole Emanuel – Chair
- Lateasha Chevers – Vice-Chair
- Sophie Williams – Ajax Parent Area Representative
- Nicole Cyrus – Brock/Scugog/Uxbridge Parent Area Representative
- Linda Akinyemi – Oshawa Parent Area Representative
- Terry-Lynn Razac Huggins – Pickering Parent Area Representative
- James Oritse – Whitby Parent Area Representative
- Representatives from community-based organizations
- Gerard Winn – Director of Education
- Kayode Akomolafe – Human Rights and Equity Advisor (HREA)
- Katharine Stevenson – Superintendent of Education
- May Prabu – Secretary to the Committee - Executive Administrative Assistant to the Chief Human Resources Officer and Human Rights and Equity Advisor
2025-2026 Meeting Dates, Agendas and Minutes
| Date |
Time |
Location |
Agenda |
Minutes |
| September 18, 2025 |
7:00 - 8:30 p.m. |
Hybrid (online and in-person at the DCDSB Catholic Education Centre, 650 Rossland Rd W, Oshawa, ON) |
Agenda |
Minutes |
| November 20, 2025 |
7:00 - 8:30 p.m. |
Hybrid (online and in-person at the DCDSB Catholic Education Centre, 650 Rossland Rd W, Oshawa, ON) |
Agenda |
Minutes |
| January 29, 2026 |
7:00 - 8:30 p.m. |
Hybrid (online and in-person at the DCDSB Catholic Education Centre, 650 Rossland Rd W, Oshawa, ON) |
Agenda - TBC |
Available after the meeting |
| February 26, 2026 |
7:00 - 8:30 p.m. |
Hybrid (online and in-person at the DCDSB Catholic Education Centre, 650 Rossland Rd W, Oshawa, ON) |
Agenda - TBC |
Available after the meeting |
| April 16, 2026 |
7:00 - 8:30 p.m. |
Hybrid (online and in-person at the Pope Francis Centre - DCDSB Catholic Education Centre, 650 Rossland Rd W, Oshawa, ON) |
Agenda - TBC |
Available after the meeting |
| May 21, 2026 |
7:00 - 8:30 p.m. |
Hybrid (online and in-person at the DCDSB Catholic Education Centre, 650 Rossland Rd W, Oshawa, ON) |
Agenda - TBC |
Available after the meeting |
Black Student Excellence Awards
An initiative of the Durham Catholic District School Board and the Anti-Black Racism and Black Excellence Advisory Committee, the DCDSB Black Student Excellence Awards honour Grade 11 and Grade 12 students who self-identify as Black and/or African descent and have demonstrated leadership and/or commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion efforts.
Please click here to learn more about the awards.
Committee Information from Previous Years
