The Ontario English curriculum explains, “Literature studies provides a unique opportunity to explore the social and emotional impact of discrimination...” (The Ontario Curriculum: Secondary); nevertheless, “The implementation of antidiscrimination principles in education encourages people to value and show respect for diversity of Canada and world cultures...” (The Ontario Curriculum: Secondary). The government’s desire to fix past issues through future generations pays tribute to black Canadians’ contributions towards equality between ethnicities. Schools are now exploring literature with connections to culture and diversity. At John F. Ross CVI in Guelph, Ontario, the novels, To Kill a Mockingbird and The Book of Negroes, are present in English courses. Both explore the discrimination present within the previous values of society where black people were not recognized as equals. The discriminatory situations are unacceptable in modern society and therefore readers can feel uncomfortable with these racist actions. Being uneasy with the racist environment is positive as it demonstrates that present students are not exposed to this discriminatory language. Students know that the racism of the past is wrong and will not use it in their lives. Black Canadians’ accomplishments have influenced the content discussed in education. In …show more content…
If black Canadians can succeed, so can others. In the past, black Canadians were forced to suffer in order to create a better future. People like Viola Desmond, who was sentenced to jail after sitting in the white section at the movie theater, Willie O’Ree who became the first black NHL player, or Mary Ann Shadd, a black Canadian who became the first woman publisher in North America, all experienced discrimination as they paved the path of equal opportunities for others. The acceptance of black Canadians has led to the embracement of all races in Canada. Immigrants are not pressured to give up their culture; they are encouraged to share their heritage. Immigrants currently represent 20% of the total Canadian population and this is expected to increase significantly. Statistics Canada projects that by 2031 between 25-28% of the population will be immigrants. Without Canada accepting their current citizens of different ethnicities, immigrants are less hopeful to live better lives in Canada; however, with the empowering movement of black activists in Canada, Canada’s diversity exists. Black Canadians have helped create the defining characteristic of Canada being a multicultural nation with great success. In summary, the accepted presence of black people in Canada maintains hope for future generations and future