Latin-America History Month is proudly recognized by the Toronto District School Board. Originally observed in April since 2016, a motion was carried at the January 31, 2024, Board of Trustees meeting to move the recognition to October. This change aligns with the Government of Canada’s designation of the month as well.
This year the focus and theme of October 2024 continues to be: "Weaving Our Legacies: Return to Our Collective Path | Enlazar Nuestres Legados: Volver a Nuestre Camino Colectivo."
The “e” in Nuestres was purposefully chosen to disrupt the dominant and default patriarchal binary gender grammar system of the colonial language of Spanish. The intentional use of the letter “e” as gender inclusive was created by LGBTQIA+, gender non-binary, and feminist communities in what is recognized today as Latin-America.
Sources: https://callmelatine.wordpress.com/
Since the creation of the Latin-America History Month Volunteer Planning Committee in 2016, the membership, which is comprised of educators, community organizers, parents/guardians/caregivers, community organizers, TDSB staff and alumni, continues to ensure that we are reflective of all intersectional differences within the communities of Latin-America / Abya Yala / Pachamama and its diaspora, including those at the TDSB.
In alignment with this year’s theme, we are centring on weaving individual and collective legacies of resistance, struggles, joy, love, and healing as peoples of the Latin-America / Abya Yala / Pachamama and its diaspora. We are also focusing on the communal purpose of raising consciousness and moving toward reclaiming our whole authentic selves, along with a (re)commitment to reciprocal relations, solidarity, and action towards a just world.
During October, several educational opportunities are being planned for students, staff, and community members. To start the learning offerings, all students from K to 12 across the TDSB were invited to participate in a Poster Showcase, capturing images that reflect this year’s theme. The posters that best embody the theme will be shared soon!
On Wednesday October 9 @ 10:30am, we are excited to welcome Alexandra Alessandri, author of Isabel and Her Colores Go To School. Alexandra is an award winning author of several books, an educator, and a poet. The book tells the story of a bilingual (English & Spanish) little girl preparing for a new school. This virtual Author Reading & Q/A is recommended for Kindergarten to Grade 5.
On Wednesday October 16 @ 10:30am, we are thrilled to welcome Ruben “Beny” Esguerra, a Canadian musical artist and poet based in Toronto, who has been nominated for two JUNO Awards― World Music Album of the Year (2018) and the Global Music Album of the Year (2022) – to be part of this month. This virtual workshop is recommended for Kindergarten to Grade 12.
Lastly, an in-person celebration of Latin-America History Month is being organized for the morning of Thursday October 24! Students, staff, trustees, and Latine community leaders, will have the opportunity to attend or virtually watch student performances, listen to Indigenous teachings, and view selected pieces of learning. This in-person celebration will be virtually broadcast for all to see and a shorter video will be made for everyone to enjoy.
Please follow us on X where daily quotes and announcements will also be shared: @TDSBLAHM
Have questions? Email the Co-Chair of the TDSB Latin-America History Month Planning Committee: DerikChica@gmail.com