ABR-BE

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.

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

2024-2025 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 Available after the meeting
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 - TBC Available after the meeting
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, 652 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 have demonstrated leadership and/or commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion efforts.

2024-2025 Committee Members

  •  Shauna Bookal - Chair
  • Lateasha Chevers – Vice-Chair
  • Nicole Cyrus - Northern Municipalities Parent Area Representative
  • Anissa Voisin - Ajax Parent Area Representative
  • Miranda Hinsey - Oshawa Parent Area Representative
  • Nikki Reason - Pickering Parent Area Representative
  • Nicole Emanuel - 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

2023-2024

2023-2024 Committee Members

Shauna Bookal - Chair

Jamaal Augustine -Vice-Chair

Anissa Voisin - Ajax Parent Area Representative

Nicole Cyrus – Brock, Scugog and Uxbridge Area Representative

Miranda Hinsey - Oshawa Parent Area Representative

Zhora Adatia-McGlashen - Pickering Parent Area Representative

Nicole Emanuel - Whitby Parent Area Representative

Representatives from community based organizations

Tracy Barill - Director of Education

Kayode Akomolafe - Human Rights and Equity Advisor (HREA)

Katharine Stevenson - Superintendent of Education

Brenda Rocha - Committee Secretary (Executive Officer to the Director of Education and Supervisor of Administrative Services)

2023-2024 Meeting Dates, Agendas and Minutes

Date Time Location Agenda Minutes
September 21, 2023 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Hybrid (online and in-person at the DCDSB Catholic Education Centre, 650 Rossland Rd W, Oshawa, ON) Agenda Minutes
October 24, 2023 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Pope Francis Centre (DCDSB Catholic Education Centre,650 Rossland Rd W, Oshawa, ON) Agenda Minutes
November 21, 2023 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Hybrid (online and in-person at theDCDSB Catholic Education Centre, 650 Rossland Rd W, Oshawa, ON) Agenda Minutes
January 17, 2024 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Hybrid (online and in-person at the Pope Francis Centre - DCDSB Catholic Education Centre, 650 Rossland Rd W, Oshawa, ON) Agenda Minutes
February 20, 2024 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Hybrid (online and in-person at the DCDSB Catholic Education Centre, 650 Rossland Rd W, Oshawa, ON) Agenda Minutes
April 16, 2024 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Hybrid (online and in-person at the DCDSB Catholic Education Centre, 650 Rossland Rd W, Oshawa, ON) Agenda Minutes
May 21, 2024 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. Hybrid (online and in-person at the DCDSB Catholic Education Centre, 650 Rossland Rd W, Oshawa, ON) Agenda Minutes

2022-2023 Meeting Agendas and Minutes