Hillcrest students recognized with award for creating a Black History Club
Posted Feb 2, 2012 By Eddie Rwema
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EMC News - Four Hillcrest High School students who helped create a Black History Club have had their efforts recognized.
Eddie Rwema, Metroland
From left to right: Hillcrest High School students Faduma Mahmoud, Kimberly Jean, teacher Mary Enns, Maka Mohamed and Robel Yosef .
Students Faduma Mahmoud, Kimberly Jean, Maka Mohamed and Robel Yosef were on Jan. 28 awarded the Black History Ottawa community builder's student leadership award for being positive role models and for advocating the Black/African-Canadian community.
The club was launched last February and continued past the month.
"We started the club because we wanted to make a change and start something new at Hillcrest," said Mahmoud.
Since the launch of the club, Mahmoud said they have organized several events to help promote and raise awareness on Black History.
"We are proud for having been able to interest students of all background to the club," she said.
Hillcrest social science and equity teacher, Mary Enns said in her 19 years of teaching she has never seen a core group of students so dedicated to social justice, activism, advocacy, and community building. /
Enns was encouraged by the fact that the Black History Club has as many male as female members in the club.
"We are very excited they are being recognized.
The award is part of the 2012 Black History Month observance in Ottawa that was launched last weekend at the city hall.
February is Black History Month, a month-long celebration highlighting the many achievements and valuable contributions made by people of African descent to science, world history, culture, and civilization.
Proclaiming Feb. 12 as Black History Month in Ottawa on behalf of Mayor Jim Watson, Gloucester-South Nepean Coun. Steve Desroches highlighted the contribution of people of African descent in making Ottawa a better place to live.
"Black History Month helps educate and generate awareness about the black community's many historic and ongoing contributions to Canadian nation building," said Desroches.
"I represent one of the fastest growing parts of the city made up of residents from all around the world and together we are helping build the city - one that is inclusive and one that recognizes its multicultural roots.
Black History Ottawa has teamed up with various communities to develop a program that will reflect the linguistic and cultural diversity of Ottawa's Black community, as well as highlight the trail-blazing contributions of leaders and pioneers in building a vibrant community and country.
"The celebration is an opportunity to acknowledge that we are part of a great nation," said Godwin Ifedi, president of Black History Ottawa.
This year also marks the 26th anniversary of Black History Ottawa.
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