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Affirming Blackness in academic spaces
“Our classrooms need more Black educators.”
Editor’s Note: High-impact reporting doesn’t have an expiration date. We are throwing it back to a news moment that completely defined the season; read it for the vibe, not the calendar.
A strong cross-section of school administrators, academics, educators, students, and community leaders gathered on Tuesday, January 27th, 2026, for the Second Annual Black Education Symposium, an event anchored in purpose, scholarship, and vision.
This year’s theme “Affirming Blackness in Academia: Past, Present & Future” reflected the mission of the Centre for Black Studies in Education, a creative research centre making meaningful waves across educational spaces.
In the program booklet, Dr. Andrew B. Campbell, BFEP Coordinator, underscored the urgency of the work, “Our classrooms need more Black educators. BFEP is a direct response to this need, and I am honoured to be the BFEP coordinator.”
Dr. Campbell noted with pride that 79 Black future educators were present, marking the second year of partnership between BFEP and the Centre to bring the symposium to life.
The day featured three dynamic panels, each exploring Black presence, research, and futurity in education.
Panel 1: Black Canadian Studies in Higher Education
Panelists:
Dr. Andrew Allen, Associate Professor, Faculty of Education, University of Windsor
Dr. Ann E. Lopez, Professor of Educational Leadership and Policy, OISE, University of Toronto
Dr. Linda Iwenofu, Assistant Professor, Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development, OISE
Moderator:
Dr. Qui Alexander, Assistant Professor of Gender, Sexuality and Trans Studies in Curriculum and Pedagogy, OISE
The panelists explored the challenges and complexities of teaching Black Canadian Studies within mainstream Eurocentric institutions. Their discussion highlighted the tensions, resistance, and necessity of sustaining Black knowledge in higher education spaces.
Panel 2: Affirming Blackness in Academia Through Research
Panelists:
Dr. Darren Hamilton, Assistant Professor of Music Education, University of Toronto, and Lead Writer of #BlackMusicMatters: Hip Hop and Social Justice in Canada
Dr. Stephanie Fearon, Assistant Professor of Black Thriving and Education, Faculty of Education, York University
Dr. Leland Harper, Associate Professor of Philosophy, Siena Heights University
Mohamed Rage, Graduate Assistant with BFEP and Master of Teaching student at OISE
Moderator:
Dr. Tanitia Munroe, Research Coordinator, Centre of Excellence for Black Student Achievement, Toronto District School Board
This panel grounded the conversation in evidence-based research and pedagogy. The speakers shared practical frameworks drawn from their work as scholars and practitioners shaping Black academic futures.
Panel 3: Freedom Dreaming for Black Futures
Panelists:
Dr. Marie A. Green, Ontario Certified Teacher, Department of Curriculum, Teaching and Learning
Rasulan Q. Hoppie, Superintendent of Education, Peel District School Board
Karen Murray, System Superintendent for Equity, Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression, TDSB
Shelly-Ann Skinner, Educator, Consultant, and Founder of UPlift Black Centre for Social Justice & Inclusion
Moderator:
Kai Butterfield, PhD Candidate, Department of Social Justice Education, OISE
The panel explored the power of imagination and freedom dreaming in shaping Black futures. Their insights, rooted in lived experience across public education systems, offered both emotional resonance and strategic direction.
Together, the symposium affirmed that Black brilliance in education is present, active, and essential.