Black Mental Health Week

Black Mental Health Day began in 2020 to highlight the impact of anti-Black racism on mental health. It has since expanded to Black Mental Health Week, which takes place during the first full week of March, in order provide more time for advocacy, awareness, and addressing systemic issues.

Learn more at BlackMentalHealthWeek.ca Visit the City of Toronto's Black Mental Health Week Webpage

2026 Black Mental Health Week at Durham Catholic District School Board

The week of March 2 to 8, 2026, is recognized as Black Mental Health Week by communities across Ontario. During this week we are called to recognize the ongoing impact on mental health that results from experiences of anti-Black racism. It is also a week to raise awareness of the specific mental health needs of Black communities across Ontario. This year’s theme, The Power of Connection-Ancestral Wisdom in a Digital Age, uses the principles of Kwanzaa to explore connection. 

DCDSB students from all secondary schools’ Black Student Unions have created posters in order to examine the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa and explore how connection can support our communities and build our mental health and well-being.

2026 Black Mental Health Week Posters

This year’s theme is The Power of Connection: Ancestral Wisdom in a Digital Age. Using the principles of Kwanzaa as our guide, we will explore mental wellness through community connection, reducing isolation, and affirming identity. Students from our secondary schools’ Black Student Unions have created posters to guide our reflection.

Day 1

The first Principal of Kwanzaa we will examine is Kuumba, which means Creativity. When students from Notre Dame’s Black Student Union were asked to describe what Kuumba means to them, they had this to say: “Kuumba calls us to use our creativity to make our communities more beautiful and supportive. Through art, expression and shared idea, we heal together.”

Day 2

Today we are going to learn about the Kwanzaa principle “Umoja”, which stands for Unity. When students from Pereyma’s Black Student Union were asked to describe what Umoja means to them, they had this to say: “One doesn’t have to mean alone anymore. The stronger we are together, the stronger our future becomes.”

Day 3

Today for Black Mental Health Week, we are going to learn about the Kwanzaa principle “Kujichagulia”, which means self-determination. When students from Mnsr. P. Dwyer’s Black Student Union were asked to describe what Kujichagulia means to them, they had this to say:

“Kujichagulia, or self-determination, means having the power to define ourselves rather than letting stereotypes, expectations, or systems define us.. It is about standing up for ourselves, advocating for our needs, and calling out issues within the system that affect our education and experiences.”

Day 4

Today for Black Mental Health Week, we are going to learn about the Kwanzaa principles of Imani, which means faith, and Ujima, which means collective work and responsibility. When students from St. Mary’s and Father Leo. J. Austin’s Black Student Unions were asked to describe what Imani and Ujima mean to them, they had this to say:

“Faith is the quiet belief we place in the people and institutions around us. At school, you are surrounded by teachers, leaders and peers, and as students, although sometimes you may not realize it, they are there to support you. 

Ujima reminds us that we rise when we lift each other up. We can celebrate each other’s wins because one person’s success lifts the whole community. It is also important to check on those who are hurting because we are a team.”

Day 5

Today for Black Mental Health Week, we are going to learn about the Kwanzaa principles of Ujamaa and Nia, which mean Cooperative Economics and Purpose. When students from Archbishop Denis O’Connor’s and All Saint’s Black Student Unions were asked to describe what Ujamaa and Nia mean to them, they had this to say:

“Ujamaa is a Swahili word means supporting our own community by buying from local businesses and sharing resources. Students can take part in Ujamaa by supporting local Black owned businesses, sharing some of what you buy with your neighbors or local community and looking for products with labels that tell us they are Canadian.”

“The principle Nia shows us how having a meaningful purpose or goal can support Black student wellness. When students are supported by their community, they gain direction, confidence, and purpose to succeed.”

Previous Black Mental Health Day Events

On Black Mental Health Day, we are called to recognize the ongoing impact on mental health that results from experiences of anti-Black racism, and to raise awareness of the specific mental health needs of Black communities. Learn more about Black Mental Health Day from DCDSB students in this video. 

Resources: 

 

Be You, Be Well: A Black Mental Health Day Event

Flyer for 2024 Black Mental Health Day

March 4, 2024 marks the fifth annual Black Mental Health Day, recognized by communities across Ontario. On Black Mental Health Day, we are called to recognize the ongoing impact on mental health that results from experiences of anti-Black racism and to raise awareness of the specific mental health needs of Black communities. Join us as we examine these impacts and needs and discuss ways in which members of the community can support their mental health.

 

This year DCDSB is proud to present Roxanne Francis, an award-winning psychotherapist, registered social worker, consultant, leadership coach and international speaker, who has been helping people access tools to change their lives for over 15 years.

 

As well, we will host a panel discussion including: Trudy Stone, Culinary Nutritionist, Joy Lapps, Musical Artist/Composer and more!

 

Watch the full recording of the event below:

 

 

March 6, 2023 marked the fourth annual Black Mental Health Day, recognized by communities across Ontario. On Black Mental Health Day, we are called to recognize the ongoing impact on mental health that results from experiences of anti-Black racism. It is also a day to raise awareness of the specific mental health needs of Black communities across Ontario.

During the evening on Monday, March 6, 2023, Not Just Surviving: Centering Black Mental Health was held at Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School. Prior to the event beginning, community service booths were set up to provide information to attendees.

The DCDSB proudly presented:

Dionne Sinclair
Vice President Clinical Operations & Chief Nursing Executive
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)

Having lived experience as an immigrant child from Jamaica, Dionne shared her journey from these beginnings to her current role as the Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive at CAMH. Dionne spoke about the impact of racism on the mental health of Black and other racialized individuals and the pervasive reality of anti-Black racism in Canada, discussing both the current state and what to do about it.

Maryanne Oketch
Winner of Survivor, Season 42

As we become more aware of the inequalities that members of minority communities face, it is important to understand what the systemic issues are that lead to injustice. In this talk, Maryanne took experiences from her personal life to describe how she overcame the challenges and roadblocks that came her way, and the support that she had while doing so.

poster promoting the Not Just Surviving: Centering Black Mental Health Event

On the evening of March 7, 2022 several DCDSB staff, students and parents/caregivers participated in an event in recognition of Black Mental Health Day. This day calls us to recognize the ongoing impact on mental health that results from experiences of anti-Black racism. It is also a day to raise awareness of the specific mental health needs of Black communities across Ontario.

The event featured Natalie Haynes, Registered Psychotherapist, Training Consultant and Speaker, who shared her own journey of self-acceptance, as well as information to guide others who may be seeking clarity, awareness and understanding of what gets in the way of accepting who they are.

The recording is available below:

March 1, 2021 - Black Mental Health Day

A recording of the Black Mental Health Day presentation with keynote speaker, Asante Haughton.