ONABSE Newsletter

Spring 2026

March 8 is International Women's Day (IWD)

The theme for this year's International Women's Day (IWD) is "Give to Gain". This theme emphasizes the importance of investing in and supporting ALL women.

As we consider Black women in particular, this theme rings ever true. Investing in and supporting Black women and girls is paramount to the success of everyone. Giving to Black women through investing in their healthcare and education, supporting their businesses, appreciating and recognizing their leadership and talents, and simply believing all Black women are worthy and deserving of love and care is a gain to everyone.

Learn more about International Women's Day by visiting the following resources:

• International Women's Day Website
• The Government of Canada's Official IWD Webpage
• The Congress of Black Women Canada

On March 24, 1853, Mary-Ann Shadd Cary became the first Black woman to publish a newspaper in North America when she published The Provincial Freedom in Windsor, Ontario.

Image Credit: "Mary-Ann Shadd Cary"

This incredible image was sourced from the Robertson College blog. It was created by Dorcas Markwei (of Lynsow Creative), a Black-Canadian illustrator and designer. Dorcas works both in digital and traditional media and she is passionate about creating diverse representation in brand artworks.

The motto of The Provincial Freedom was: "Self-reliance is the true road to independence."

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS

March 16 @ 7:30 PM

About the session:

This webinar, hosted in partnership with Parents of Black Children, will extend the conversation on high school success to incorporating post-secondary success. We will also review alternative schools (including Caring and Safe Schools and Adult High Schools).

Bonus: Hear from formally trained education personnel from alternative schools on how to best support your child/young person/students.

Discussions:

• What are the avenues for help that I may not be aware of?
• What is an alternative school really and how do they work?
• How can I ensure my child is successful when they experience setbacks?

Toolkit and recording will be provided.

Join us for a family-friendly event with Black-owned business vendors, plus prizes and giveaways. 

Where: The University of Toronto Schools, Toronto

Time: 11 AM to 4 PM

Cost to attend: Donations to ONABSE (ONLY $5 or more)



Vendors: $135 for a table AND Friend of ONABSE membership for one year!

We will be finalizing vendors this week. Apply now to be a vendor as there are only a few spots left!

The Ontario Institute of Studies in Education (OISE)'s Centre for Integrative Anti-Racism Studies (CIARS) Decolonizing Conference is back!

WHEN: March 12-14, 2026; 7:30 AM- 7:00 PM

WHERE: OISE, University of Toronto, 252 Bloor Street W, Toronto

Register now for three days of meaningful dialogue, critical reflection, and collective action.

This conference brings together emerging and established scholars, artists, activists, community members and leaders, and other radical thinkers from around the world who are engaged in anti-colonial, anti-racist, and inclusive education work.

ONABSE is a member-driven organization. We are 100% volunteer-led and run. Now more than ever, we need a strong membership base to continue the work that we do.

We can't do it without you!

If you are an individual who is:

• 18 years old or older
• An active or retired Black education professional at ANY level (classroom-based or system-wide)
• A Black student in an Ontario-based secondary or post-secondary institution
• A parent or guardian of Black youth
• An ally who endorses the goals and missions of ONABSE
• A resident of Ontario

OR if you are:

• A small business or non-profit organization with members who endorse and align with the goals and missions of ONABSE
• A larger organization with members who endorse and align with the goals and missions of ONABSE

What are you waiting for? Join us today!

ANNUAL Individual membership: $50 plus HST

ANNUAL Student membership: $25 plus HST

ANNUAL Friend of ONABSE membership: $150 plus HST for small organizations and $300 plus HST for larger organizations

Membership not for you? Consider donating to us. Every dollar is reinvested into community work.

Thank you!

Community Partner Spotlight