Register for the Black Students Consultation Sessions

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s),

The Durham Catholic District School Board is focused on implementing strategic actions connected to our core commitments of Equity and Engagement. We are committed to cultivating a positive sense of self and belonging for each individual by respecting and responding to diverse identities and strengths. As part of this commitment, we will be consulting with students and parents/guardians across our system, starting with our secondary school communities to share learnings, build understanding and inform our next steps to address anti-Black racism and systemic discrimination.

With the support and partnership of Cora Reid (Black Rose Movement) and TAIBU, the DCDSB hopes to ensure that our classrooms and schools honour the voices and lived realities and experiences of our Black community. It is our intention that these sessions provide safe spaces for the Black students, students of colour, and their
parents/guardians at each of our secondary schools to share their experiences and provide input into our next steps as a Catholic learning community.

All sessions will be facilitated by Cora Reid of Black Rose Movement via Zoom. We will also be using the Thoughtexchange platform at the meetings to gather feedback. Thoughtexchange is a collaborative platform that brings people together on important topics. It helps people learn from one another, discover important insights, and make decisions quickly and effectively. More information about this platform can be found on the website using the direct link: Thoughtexchange – How it Works.

Zoom Meeting Information for Monsignor Paul Dwyer CSS

Meeting ID: 838 6954 9425
Passcode: 051358
Direct Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83869549425?pwd=MVMvWGlvbmo3bzJ5ZmhpbkJKSkhHQT09

Click here to register for the sessions

Student Meeting 1
Tuesday, November 10, 2020 @3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Student Meeting 2
Tuesday, November 24, 2020 @3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Parent/Guardian Meeting
Tuesday, December 8, 2020 @6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Superintendent Susie Lee-Fernandes at (905) 576-6707, Ext. 22279

Introducing Cora Reid 

Cora is a Holistic Wellness Coach, Event Planner, Orator, Public Speaker, Producer and Recording artist.  She does Consultation work in systemic and anti-Black racism with many Durham leaders. She is formerly known as Cora Russell in her first Album "In His Presence."

Her New single Black Rose was inspired by her own personal experience with anti-Black and systemic racism. Music and arts have always been a safe space for Cora in troubling times. She was able to channel her pain and negative experience into her music and now is the director of Black Rose Movement Durham.

Cora has been able to positively impact her community through her trauma and pain. It is now the platform and force of change in how she serves her community. Cora has had many opportunities to do consultation, training and event planning in her community.

Cora has also won many community awards for her work. April 2016 Soulful Image Magazine awarded Cora for being a Woman of Inspiration. In April of 2018, Cora received Awards from MPP Jennifer French Leading Women Leading Girls Building Communities Award. She has received appreciation certificates for her work with Mars Talk and Women's Multicultural Resource Centre.

She has facilitated numerous after school programs with the purpose of engaging at-risk youth using song writing and production workshops. She teaches youth to release trauma and pain through art as a means of healing and therapy. Students range from Grade 9 to 12.

Her song Black Rose charting number 1 for months on Reverb Nation and also playing on local stations. This is a reminder that there is hope in the midst of a garden that may not understand the Black Roses. She is now deemed the Black Rose of Durham and loved by many for her passion, love, and stance in the cause of equality and social justice.