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Speak It! From the Heart of Black Nova Scotia

In their predominantly white high school in Halifax, a group of black students face daily reminders of racism, ranging from abuse (racist graffiti on washroom walls), to exclusion (the omission of black history from textbooks). They work to establish a Cultural Awareness Youth Group, a vehicle for building pride and self-esteem through educational and cultural programs. With help from mentors, they discover the richness of their heritage and learn some of the ways they can begin to effect change.
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In their predominantly white high school in Halifax, a group of black students face daily reminders of racism, ranging from abuse (racist graffiti on washroom walls), to exclusion (the omission of black history from textbooks). They work to establish a Cultural Awareness Youth Group, a vehicle for building pride and self-esteem through educational and cultural programs. With help from mentors, they discover the richness of their heritage and learn some of the ways they can begin to effect change.

 This work contains outdated and/or offensive terms. Viewer discretion is advised.
Children and Youth Social Issues Cultural Diversity and Multiculturalism All subjects
Black Communities in Canada All channels
  • director
    Sylvia Hamilton
  • producer
    Mike Mahoney
  • cinematography
    Mike Mahoney
  • executive producer
    Marilyn A. Belec
  • script
    Bob Lower
    Sylvia Hamilton
  • sound
    Jane Porter
  • sound editing
    Jane Porter
  • editing
    Angela Baker
  • music editing
    Angela Baker
    Claire Henry
  • re-recording
    Michel Descombes
    Luc Boudrias
  • narrator
    Shingai Nyajeka
  • music
    Lucky Campbell
    Wayne Hamilton
    Glen Grant
    Jeremiah Sparks

Education

Ages 16 to 17
School subjects
Diversity - Black Studies Health/Personal Development - Careers & Education History and Citizenship Education - Culture and Currents of Thought (1500-present) Media Education - Journalism/News

WARNING: Please be advised that this content contains derogatory terms. Viewer discretion is advised.

Before viewing, solicit prior knowledge about history of Black Canadians. After viewing, students add new information. Examine textbooks for content on Black History in Canada; discuss the text as a form of media – who created it? What is the intended message? Identify areas of lack in the curriculum; create a list of desired topics; have students prepare presentations and run a “conference”; involve community members, families or other schools.

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Speak It! From the Heart of Black Nova Scotia
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