Delmore Buddy Daye Learning Institute

2019-20

Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning Institute Excellence in Africentric Education & Research Lift Every Voice and Sing (The Black National Anthem) poem by: James Weldon Johnson music by: John Rosamond Johnson $ Lift every voice and sing till earth and heaven ring ring with the harmonies of Liberty; let our rejoicing rise, high as the listening skies, let it resound loud as the rolling sea. Sing a song full of faith that the dark past has taught us, sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us; facing the rising sun of a new day begun, let us march on till victory is won. $ Stony the road we trod, bitter the chast’ning rod, felt in the day that hope unborn had died; yet with a steady beat, have not our weary feet, come to the place for which our fathers sighed? We have come over a way that with tears has been watered, we have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered, out from the gloomy past, till now we stand at last where the white gleam of our star is cast. $ God of our weary years, God of our silent tears, Thou who has brought us thus far on the way; Thou who has by Thy might, led us into the light, keep us forever in the path, we pray. Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee, lest our hearts, drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee, shadowed beneath Thy hand, may we forever stand, true to our God, true to our native land. Contents 2 Message from the Chair 3 Message from the CEO

DBDLI “Habari Gani”

5 Financial Report 6 Human Resources Report 8 Communications Report 9 Youth and Initiatives Report 10 Publishing and Special Projects Report Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning Institute (DBDLI) Research and Initiatives Report 12 5450 Cornwallis Street 16 Independent Auditor’s Report Halifax, NS B3K 1A9 DBDLI Financial Statements Telephone: (902) 407-3200 18 Toll-Free: 1 (855) 350-3200 DBDLI 2019-20 in Pictures Fax: (902) 407-3263 29 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.dbdli.ca 30 DBDLI “Tyee” Board and Staff flii Report Design: Dan O’Brien, Design North

DBDLI • 2019-20 Report to the Community 1 Paul Adams Message from the Chair Jocelyn Dorrington

s we ended our operational year in March Halifax Public Libraries to host poetry events that A2020, we, like so many of you, experienced showcased onsite and virtually. The Habari Gani challenges to how we deliver our services, (Reports section) of this Report to the Community stay engaged with our stakeholders, and keep will provide more details in each of our program everyone safe. Amazingly, our staff adjusted, areas. and continues to adjust, our working structure and our program delivery methods in light of Under the theme of “Broadening our Reach the restrictions imposed due to COVID-19. More and Deepening our Impact,” we have accepted importantly, we are devastated by the losses invitations to provide advice and direction based experienced by our community, and by Nova on our Africentric research and education experts. Scotians broadly. Like all Nova Scotians, we are We are co-leading significant national initiatives, moving forward with the memory of those losses such as National Black Canadian Summit; and we and our community’s courage and resiliency. are informing policy, such as Minister Chagger’s Rountable on Black Youth and Community The Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning Institute concerns that affects the well-being of African has delivered programming and initiatives Nova Scotian communities. The message has throughout the year, continuing what was working been circulating that the National Black Canadian well, adjusting what needed tweaking, starting Summit has been rescheduled, and will now be some new initiatives, broadening our reach, and held in Nova Scotia in March 2021. Once again, deepening our impact. Ancestral Roots Summits the Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning Institute and the Black Excellence Conferences are two was tapped to be part of the organizing and examples of what is in the basket of events that program development, and to provide service will continue. We do have offshoots from both: leadership behind the young adults on the Local a deeper engagement with Regional Centres Executive Committee. In July 23, 2019, we stood for Education and enhanced collaboration with with almost 40 Black National organizations and university partners, respectively. As we continue with government officials in Ottawa to launch the to be available to assist the African Canadian Canadian National Institute for People of African Services Branch meet its mandate to provide Descent Feasibility Study. This Study recognizes culturally-representative resources for African the unique context of People of African Descent Nova Scotian learners and communities, we have in Nova Scotia and the community work of the enhanced our direct work with established and Institute. As a closing example for this theme, I will budding authors and illustrators. An example of note our partnership with Say It Loud–Promoting a new initiative, a Financial Literacy workshop via Black Pride and Positive Cultural Identity, an Zoom, has readied us to be engaged in some initiative that we use to amplify the voices of Black of the virtual program delivery that will be part youth. Much of the work was designed to be of the “new path forward.” We have partnered online; and an initiative of note with this project is with the Writers Federation of Nova Scotia and the National Black Graduates event.

2 DBDLI • 2019-20 Report to the Community We are proud that African Nova Scotian learners and a staff member, John Wedderburn. The are able to see themselves in resources in the Institute was fortunate to benefit from their skills public school system and in the community and expertise. We will, of course, miss having broadly. Our policy focus work, professional them, but assure them that we will continue to learning experiences, and research are impacting build on what they have given us. how educators engage with our learners and how programs are designed. We understand that In closing, I would like to express much thanks to our research on alternative discipline influenced my fellow board members, both past and present, a willingness to embrace Africentricity in the for their commitment, hard work, contributions, schools to support our learners of African descent and dedication to building the Delmore “Buddy” in feeling more included. For example, some Daye Learning Institute. As well, I offer much Regional Centres for Education have invited thanks to our dedicated and creative staff, the Institute to be part of their planning as they consultants, and service providers for all that develop programming that supports students they do to heighten and build awareness of the feeling included in their schools. Institute through the programs and services that they carry out. Thanks, also, to our funders We had preliminary meetings with our education and partner organizations for their continued partners—the African Canadian Services Branch support of the work we do to build brighter and the Black Educators Association—to design futures for African Nova Scotians and the broader an initiative of a formative research collaboration Nova Scotian community. Lastly, I want to thank to build on the strengths of the Cultural Academic community members for their on-going support and Enrichment Program (CAEP). This was paused of the Institute and the programs and services we due to COVID-19, and will resume in the fall. We deliver. To everyone I say: Stay safe, stay strong, are sitting at a number or curriculum review tables we will move forward together. f to help shape content and instructional delivery. Getting this right will help our learners, and will benefit all learners and educators/instructors.

We continue to explore and implement new opportunities to enhance our resource development for both institutional and community use. Our research component is engaged in provincial and national research “A baby on its projects. The Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning Institute has been successful in our Canadian mother’s back does Heritage grant applications, which has enabled not know the way the Institute to engage in initiatives that focus on greater community engagement. Unfortunately, is long.” like many other projects, they had to be put on - African Proverb hold during this time. I am happy to say that the timeline for these projects has been extended.

Our foundation is strong, underpinned by our dedicated board and staff who work hard to achieve our mission, and help us to fulfill the vision of the Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning Institute. We have with regret bid farewell to two Board members, Dean Smith and Yvonne Atwell,

DBDLI • 2019-20 Report to the Community 3 Paul Adams Message from the CEO Sylvia Parris-Drummond

n March 2020, we posted the following message Regional Centres for Education. We have served Ion our website: “The Delmore “Buddy” Daye as a policy influencer by contributing advice that Learning Institute is temporarily closed due to impacts the experience of Black Canadians through precautions being taken to protect the safety acting as co-leads with SAY IT LOUD (a national and well-being of the DBDLI Team and the youth initiative focused on Black youth pride public during these difficult and trying times of and cultural identity) and the Canadian Institute COVID-19.” Our community and all Nova Scotians for People of African Descent (CIPAD) Feasibility have been dramatically impacted by COVID-19. Study, and acting as a regional representative with All our hearts have been broken. We join our Meeting of the Minds (a national Black think tank). voices to express our heartfelt concern and message of collective support. We enjoyed active use of our Community/ Office space. During the year, we have hosted At the writing of this report, we are still following government and community influencers, and the guidelines, and thus a number of our initiatives have engaged with a range of sectors, including that had been scheduled for March, and those Justice, Community Services, and Education. planned for the early months of our operational While on site, these groups often invite us to year, have been postponed, are being delivered be part of their activities, providing us with the in alternative formats, or, unfortunately, have had opportunity to further extend our reach and to be canceled. influence through the sharing of information about the Institute and our mission. For the second year in a row, the DBDLI has been identified for its Africentric education expertise We continue to grow our leadership in Africentric by the National Canadian Black Summit, which research. Africentric research seeks to ensure was to be held in Halifax in March 2020. The community voice is primary in our data analysis Summit has been rescheduled for Halifax in and qualitative and quantitative research. The March 2021. We will be there. The African Nova cadre of Community Data Collectors (CDCs) Scotian History Challenges Ceremony, held facilitated data collections for research projects annually in March, had to be canceled, and the supported by the Department of Education and acknowledgement of the award recipients done Early Childhood Development, one of which via our website. is partially funded by Canadian Heritage. For example, we are collaborating with Saint Francis During the 2019-2020 operational year, our program Xavier University on a community engagement departments—Research, Youth, Community initiative called Making Community Voices Count. Engagement and Publishing—via Institute leadership Through the Research department, we hosted and collaborations, offered services to all African our third Black Excellence Conference, and Nova Scotian communities across the Province and expanded our Fellowship program. engaged with African Nova Scotian learners in all

4 DBDLI • 2019-20 Report to the Community The Youth department expanded its impact by beginning, John Wedderburn. Though he has increasing its presence in the Regional Centres moved on to other interests, our paths continued of Education through the planned use of social to cross as he served as communication lead media and the development of education for the National Black Canadian Summit and sessions to promote our resources, and to the African Nova Scotian Decade for People of provide community education, such as a virtual African Descent Coalition (DPAD). Thanks to financial literacy workshop. After a very successful John, we are well positioned as we evolve the inaugural year, the DBDLI Youth Advisory Council community/community engagement role. I want had plans to host a closing event in March; to acknowledge staff members Ramona Hill, Dr. however, this event will be moved to a more George Frempong, Victoria Lake, Chanae Parsons, appropriate time. We are looking forward to Samuel Provo-Benoit, and to Tony Colaiacovo those Council members who are able to continue (Effective Publishing) for their commitment to with us and filling the vacant seats. excellence and their contributions to the ongoing success of the Institute. f The Institute’s publishing arm continues its theme of “Excellence in Education” through the publication of Africentric educational resources. Last year, we announced the publication, Black History: Africa, the Caribbean, and the Americas. Based on a need identified by educators, we have developed and published, Black History: African the Caribbean and the Americas–Teachers Resource. As well, the book, L’alphabet de Viola Desmond is now in distribution, with a launch ceremony having been held in winter “A boat cannot go 2020. Lastly, we are pleased to announce our participation in the Atlantic Education Publishing forward if each rows Partnership (AEPP). AEPP is comprised of some of the most important publishers in Atlantic their own way.” Canada. A special acknowledgment goes to - Tanzanian Proverb Tony Colaiacovo, our publishing consultant, for his publishing expertise and his role as a historian.

We are thankful to the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development for their significant annual contribution in that regard. This year we also received significant grant support from the federal government. This support allowed us to enhance our ongoing programs, and to provide services in response to community-identified concerns.

Thank you to the DBDLI Board for its leadership and ongoing support. I am pleased to work with such dedicated individuals who collectively provide governance and oversight in support of our mission. We bid farewell to one of our employees who has been there from the

DBDLI • 2019-20 Report to the Community 5 DBDLI Habari Gani*

Financial Report Darrin Talbot Chair, Finance Committee

he Finance Committee, as reflected in the Through the hard work of our staff and Board, we TTerms of Reference (TOR), is responsible for were able to obtain federal grants totaling over the dual role of financial oversight and fundraising. $150,000, and some $20,000 in unencumbered The Committee works collaboratively with the and $50,000 in encumbered charitable donations Finance Officer to ensure bills are paid in a timely in the year. Great work by all. manner, cash flow is managed, and funding is tracked. Additional to those responsibilities, In October of 2019, our new tenant moved into the Finance Officer will be the staff support for our space on the second floor. We were able any fundraising that the Board of the Delmore to secure a long-term lease with the tenant, “Buddy” Daye Learning Institute may undertake. which provides the Institute with the stability to supplement our cash flow, while supporting the As with many institutions, COVID-19 has, and ongoing costs of our building. continues to have, an impact on our Institute’s ability to deliver programs. From a Finance I want to thank our Finance Officer, Victoria Lake, perspective, however, to this point, there has for her leadership, and thank the members of the been very little impact on funding or resources, Finance Committee for their time and efforts. I and we continue to be prudent with our spending also want to acknowledge Executive Assistant, to ensure we maintain fiscal responsibility in Ramona Hill, and Chief Executive Officer, Sylvia these uncertain times. Parris-Drummond, for being part of the team.

With our newly-provided charitable status, we We would like to acknowledge, with thanks, the continue to consider ways to increase fundraising. work of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) for their We have formed a fundraising committee, and work in completion of our 2019-2020 financial are in the process of scoping out new ways to audit. They have acknowledged that it was a raise funds. Although discussions have been clean audit, and have issued an unqualified audit ongoing regarding a capital campaign to raise report. (See p.16) funds for our new building, the Board decided to put this on hold in the year due to COVID-19. The Board of the Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning We will consider this campaign again in the Institute has endorsed PwC as auditors for the upcoming year. upcoming 2020-2021 fiscal year.f

Based largely on our Finance Officer’s leadership, many of the finance processes related to online banking, investing, and cheque signing have been updated. Going forward, we will continue to find ways to streamline our processes.

* Swahili for “What’s New”

6 DBDLI • 2019-20 Report to the Community Human Resources Report Angela Simmonds Chair, Human Resources Committee

he role of the Human Resources Committee The Board launched the process of a robust Tis to provide policy oversight on behalf of the review of our Human Resources Policy Manual in Board of the Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning the fall of 2019. The review is now underway; and Institute (DBDLI), and to support the Institute’s we will look to incorporate the learning during Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The DBDLI Board the upcoming operational year. is as a policy governance board; thus, the review and updating of policy is important, and ensures I want to acknowledge and thank Human optimum functioning of the Board. Resources Committee members Gilbert Daye and Jocelyn Dorrington for their contributions We had committed to a congruence review to the work of the Committee. I also want to to ensure alignment of our various policies acknowledge Sylvia Parris-Drummond, who (governance and operational), Board Terms provides staff support. f of Reference, and performance procedures, mindful of a clear demonstration of Africentricity within all of them.

As part of a review of our work flow operational needs, the Committee supported the CEO in a review of current employment needs; and, as a result, the Institute reconfigured its approach to the role of communications, community engagement, and social media usage; and optimized the use of the Institute’s website. This work showed up positively during our response “Happiness requires to COVID-19. something to do, Regarding COVID-19, the Human Resources Committee worked collaboratively with the CEO something to love, and Executive Assistant to support staff and well- being, and to support staff in working remotely. and something to We were able to develop a new position—that hope for.” of Community Engagement/Public Relations Coordinator—but, due to COVID-19, we had to - Swahili Proverb pause staffing the position until we could safely onboard an individual into the role.

DBDLI • 2019-20 Report to the Community 7 Communications Report Missy Searl Chair, Communications Committee

The Communications Department tells the The Communications Committee supported Institute’s story, shares our vision, and supports the staff in redefining the role of staff and in the promotion and celebration of our programs restructuring the delivery of the various functions. and initiatives. It also intersects with all the DBDLI The work of the staff position will have a greater Office operations and programs, and supports community presence and will continue to support our internal workings. internal staff operations.

As we continue to update our logo in our Through strategic initiatives and partnerships, documents and media, and have moved into we have constantly looked to find innovative fully utilizing our new physical location, branding ways to engage with our community. Part of our has been a focus. Similarly, enhancement of our Communications file includes the management presence as an Africentric Institute has been a and implementation of sponsorship requests and focus. Our website and social media presence, as activities. Key sponsorships continue to connect well as all print materials, have to have deliberate the Institute with groups and events that link to representations of Africentricity—in visuals (e.g., and help advance our mandate. Our traditional artifacts) and in text (e.g., proverbs). media relations efforts garnered strong and consistent coverage for the Institute over this past The website layout was updated this year with year. We continued to capitalize on print, radio, an aim to improving navigation, and to make and television stories around our work, objectives, the website more appealing. The sliders on and connections to our community. Global Halifax the website introduce information and events and the CBC continue to show strong interest (such as the Black Excellence Conference, and engagement in sharing stories from and Black Education Youth Conference, Thriving about the Institute. Our in-house Community Communities, and African Nova Scotian History Newsletter showcases our many publishing and Challenges); education resources (such as the research activities and youth initiatives—including texts, L’alphabet de Viola Desmond and Black successes and milestones—and celebrates the History: Africa, the Caribbean, and the Americas); many partnerships and supportive relationships and print, visual, and social media messaging. that enable us to broaden our reach and impact. Additionally, the communication staff supported We will continue to leverage the power of strong, staff in the development of program specific consistent, and meaningful communications to help promotion materials (e.g., youth programs and a further our connections and areas of opportunity research flyer). with Nova Scotia’s educators, learners of African descent, and the communities we serve. We produced four community updates: three newsletters and one Report to the Community. As I take over the role of Chair from Dean Smith, These communication vehicles, respectively, who has retired from the Board, I want to thank him provided updates on programs and activities, and for his leadership and support for my transition provided an overview of our year. We launched into this role. I also want to thank my committee the DBDLI Scholarships and Bursaries Listings, members, Susie Brigham and Angela Simmonds, which is hosted on our website, with limited print for their support and work on behalf the committee copies available. and the Institute overall. f

8 DBDLI • 2019-20 Report to the Community Youth and Initiatives Report Gilbert Daye Co-chair, Youth and Initiatives Committee

am pleased to submit the first annual report African Nova Scotia youth leaders. These events I of the Youth and Initiatives Committee. The are currently postponed. Committee members are Marcus Marsman, Missy Searl, Co-chairs Mukisa Kakembo and Gilbert The Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning Institute Daye, and Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning Youth Advisory Council has been established, Institute Board Chair, Jocelyn Dorrington. Our and has held face-to-face and teleconference role is to support youth projects, initiatives, and meetings under the leadership of the two youth activities; and to report on those to the Board. members of the Institute’s Board of Directors. Key concerns at the start-up of the Council Through 2019-2020, this Committee has been include their ability to be better informed and engaged primarily in activities and initiatives that representative of youth issues in the community, were generously funded through grants from the becoming better connected to the Institute, and Canadian Heritage Multiculturalism Program, the need to meet more on a face-to-face basis. and through operational and program support from the Nova Scotia Department of Education Thank you especially to the Delmore “Buddy” and Early Childhood Development. Daye Learning Institute’s youth members, and to staff who have provided invaluable assistance Activities and Initiatives and input into the work of the Youth and Initiatives Youth Initiatives Committee—particularly to Ms. Chanae Parsons for her diligence and hard work. f Two of the three planned Ancestral Roots Regional Summits were completed in Halifax and the Annapolis Valley. These summits enabled youth to meet and discuss education issues that may impact their likelihood for success. The final report for these initiatives is delayed by the COVID-19 closing.

Financial Literacy Skills workshops were held in Ancestral Roots Regional Summit, Halifax, Truro, and Dartmouth. These workshops Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS are designed to help youth and adult participants reduce the stress caused by financial situations, increase their confidence in planning for post- secondary school, and increase their awareness of the scholarships and community grants that may be available to them.

Planning has been initiated for the Ancestral Roots Awards Gala, and for a conference for youth and young adults. The Gala is a recognition Ancestral Roots Regional Summit, event to validate the achievements of potential Acadia University, Wolfville, NS

DBDLI • 2019-20 Report to the Community 9 Publishing and Special Projects Report Tony Colaiacovo Effective Publishing

t has been a busy but rewarding year for the a teacher would need for IDBDLI Publishing team. We have engaged the activity: suggested with the community, and with educators from teaching strategies and all regions to develop books and projects that all handouts, graphic respond to the needs of African Nova Scotian organizers, and rubrics learners and teachers. We have participated in for the activity—all of multiple initiatives and projects with organizations which may be scanned from across the province that share our mandate or photocopied directly for Africentric learning, and we were once again out of the resource. Each able to source various event and publishing activity also includes a list grants. of additional print, visual, and online sources of information; and offers suggested extension Participation in the 2019-2020 African Nova activities for those students who may wish to Scotian History Challenges exceeded our explore a particular topic more deeply. The expectations. We had submissions from 83 Teacher’s Resource has proven to be very popular different schools, and from every region of and useful to teachers of African Canadian the province. More than 4,000 students from Studies. We have made an electronic version of every grade level participated, and this year’s the Teacher’s Resource available for teachers to entries were among the best and most creative use during the pandemic. submissions ever received for the Challenges. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Earlier this year, the the Awards Gala had to be postponed. However, DBDLI published the special guests who had been invited to the its first book in Gala, including His Honour, Lieutenant Governor French. L’alphabet LeBlanc, Mrs. LeBlanc, and Senator Wanda de Viola Desmond Thomas Bernard, did see all the entries. Each was is an adaptation of effusive in their praise of the students’ work. A our popular guided list of the Award winners, sample photos of the reading resource, The submissions, and a message of congratulations ABCs of Viola Desmond. L’alphabet de Viola from Senator Bernard is posted on our website. Desmond was developed for both Core French and French Immersion classes. This beautifully- We published an updated and improved crafted and colourful book is sure to be a hit in Teacher’s Resource for the textbook, Black classrooms throughout the province and beyond. History: Africa, the Caribbean, and the Americas. The Teacher’s Resource is a companion piece The DBDLI has developed a new Social Studies to the textbook. Each learning activity in the resource entitled, Our History is Nova Scotia’s Teacher’s Resource begins with an overview that History. Working cooperatively with the includes a suggested time for the activity, a brief Department of Education and Early Childhood description of the activity, and a list of everything Development, this new resource is bound to that a teacher may need to prepare in advance. be popular with young readers. The resource The activities themselves include everything that is comprised of a class set of individual profiles

10 DBDLI • 2019-20 Report to the Community about African Nova Scotians; and each set William Hall includes a large storyboard that teachers can use as a classroom display and teaching aid. Barbara Cuffy

The DBDLI achieved a major milestone this year when we won our first public publishing tender. We formed a consortium with three other publishers, and won a tender for the development Rose Fortune and publishing of one of the new Grade 7 Social Studies resources. The tender required that the new resource focus on the cultures Thomas Peters of the Mi’kmaq, Acadians, Gaels, and African Nova Scotians. This new resource is currently in development, and is due to be introduced into Grade 7 classes in the new school year. Marie Marguerite Rose The DBDLI has started producing and publishing a series of books about African Nova Scotian communities, written by community elders. The first book in the series, My Grandmother’s Days, was written by the late Viola Parsons, and is a vivid account about growing up in the community of Lucasville at the turn of the century. The cover art for the book is being prepared by the talented young artist Letitia Fraser. The goal of this series is to record personal stories from every African Nova Scotian community in the province. f

Sylvia Parris-Drummond, Chief Executive Officer,displaying some of our publications and resource materials.

DBDLI • 2019-20 Report to the Community 11 Research and Initiatives Report

Dr. Susan Brigham, Chair, Research and Initiatives

The Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning Institute’s 2. “Developing Data Systems for evidence- research continued to expand over the past year. based policy making and implementation: A Many research projects came to completion, and study of the Nova Scotian Student Attendance their findings have been, or are in the process of and Engagement Policy” in partnership being, disseminated at community events, confer- with Professor Joyline Makani at Dalhousie ences, and in peer-reviewed articles. Several new University research studies have been developed in partnership with Canadian scholars and institutions, and This study, funded by IURN, assesses the are funded by prestigious research grants. Wor- impact of the Student Attendance and thy of note is that, due to COVID-19 and the Nova Engagement Policy on African Nova Scotian Scotia State of Emergency which began in March, students. A report has been presented to some research data collection was stalled, and the Tri-County Regional Centre for Education annual conferences that usually take place in the (TCRCE), and a policy brief from the report spring have been postponed. Below is a list of re- has been developed. Findings will be shared search projects that are ongoing, which is followed at the next IURN conference. by a report of recent events and announcements. 3. “Embracing Transition to College: Building The Research Committee members are Dr. Susan Africentric Models from the Learning and Brigham (Committee Chair), Jocelyn Dorrington, Voices from Community” in partnership with Randy Headley, and Mukisa Kakembo. Dr. George the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) Frempong, Director of Research, is the main staff with Dr. Terrah Keener person on this committee. The purpose of this study is to assess and Current Research Projects: develop an understanding of how a transition program—namely, the African Canadian 1. “Ubuntu Pedagogy of the Community” in Transition Program—in the NSCC can work for partnership with Professor Susan Brigham, African Nova Scotians. A report was shared Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU), and Dr. with NSCC through Joanne Syms, NSCC. A George Frempong, Delmore “Buddy” Daye follow up meeting between NSCC and the Learning Institute (DBDLI) Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning Institute will take place after the pandemic is over. This project, funded by the Inter-University Research Network (IURN), engages 4. “Improving education for African Nova community Elders in developing frameworks Scotians: Making community voices count” in and teaching strategies with teachers. Due partnership with Professor Lisa Lunney Borden, to COVID-19, an ethics protocol change has Saint Francis Xavier University been applied, which will allow researchers to conduct interviews using distance technology. The purpose of this project is to profile This project is linked to a Social Studies and historical education policies and practices Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) study for African Nova Scotians. This project is in with Professor George Dei at the University of progress. Toronto.

12 DBDLI • 2019-20 Report to the Community 5. “Using Elders to support the educational the North and East Preston communities), experiences of Black Communities” in and report writing. They both successfully partnership with Professor George J. Sefa completed their practicum. Dei, University of Toronto Recent research events and announcements: This is a three-year, SSHRC-funded project involving Black communities in Toronto, 1. “Black Excellence in STEM” conference Halifax, South Africa, and Ghana. Data in partnership with Dalhousie University/ collection from Elders in Nova Scotia has been Imhotep’s Legacy Academy completed, but the data collection with youth The goal of this event was to bring together has been put on hold until after COVID-19. scholars and students of African Ancestry 6. “Using Data to track Promising Educational in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Experiences of African Nova Scotian Mathematics (STEM), and to engage high Students” in partnership with the African school students in STEM activities. The event Canadian Services Branch (ACSB)–Promising began with a networking session held at the Schools. Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning Institute followed by activities held for a full day at This project’s goal is to identify schools where Dalhousie University. A Blacks in STEM video all learners, including African Nova Scotians, developed by the Institute was shown to high are successful. The project is linked to the school students attending the symposium. “Attendance and Engagement” project with Dr. Joyline Makani, and has ethics approval 2. DBDLI International Journal for data collection from Dalhousie University. The development of this exciting project is The first data set—students’ assessment funded by a federal government grant. A data linked to their school and background draft journal policy was completed, and characteristics—has been assembled. Due to this draft and other management processes COVID-19, this project is on hold. are being reviewed by Dalhousie University Recently-completed research: librarian, Geoff Brown. A research assistant has received training on the Dalhousie journal 1. “Africentric School Discipline Model” in management system/processes. partnership with Professor Johanne Jean- Pierre, Ryerson University 3. DBDLI/Jeanine Deveau Africentric Research Extraordinaire Fellow (eFAR). The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of African Nova Scotian students This is funded by the Jeanine Deveau with school discipline. A report has been Education Equity Endowment—$150,000 drafted, and was shared with the community for three years—with the possibility of being in winter 2020. renewed for another three years. The Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning Institute intends to 2. “It Takes a Village” Project attract established academic Africentric researchers by creating the Extraordinary This project was linked to the Elders project. Fellowship on Africentric Research (eFAR). As part of their practicum, two NSCC Business Administration and Management Responsibilities of eFAR will include: students, Rachel Gration and Shannae Dean, were supporting the Delmore “Buddy” Daye • Collaboration with the Institute on Learning Institute with the development proposed school-community partnership of a literature review, data collection (from research

DBDLI • 2019-20 Report to the Community 13 • Assisting in the research ethics application 4. DBDLI Graduate Fellowship awards 2019-20 processes recipients The Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning Institute • Helping to develop and publish academic awarded funding to Rajean Willis, a Ph.D. papers and policy briefs student at MSVU, and to Crystal Watson, a • Serving as a member of the editorial board Ph.D. student at Dalhousie University, in the of the Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning amount of $5,000 to each student. Institute academic journal (International Journal of Africentric Research) 5. A partnership with Professor Jade Ferguson and Cassie Wever, University of Guelph • Engaging African Nova Scotia The Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning Institute communities to help develop productive hosted Professor Jade Ferguson and Cassie school-community partnerships Wever of the University of Guelph who Professor George Sefa Dei has agreed were examining social justice experiential to serve as the first Africentric Research education programs intended for students Extraordinaire Fellow. to explore Canadian Black history, current context, community resilience, and identity, among other themes.

“Black Excellence in STEM” conference in partnership with Dalhousie University/Imhotep’s Legacy Academy (standing): Dr. Theresa Rajack-Talley, Vice-Provost of Equity and Inclusion, Dr. Mikhail Burke, Dr. Rita Orji, Wanda Colley, Randy Headley, Dr. Susan Brigham, Sarah-Ann Upshaw, Dario Brooks, Nnamdi Chiekwe, Dr.Juliet Daniel, Rugi Jalloh, Dr. Pemberton Cyrus, Dr. Kevin Hewitt, and the Honourable Mayann Francis. (kneeling in front): Sidney Idemudia and George Frempong

14 DBDLI • 2019-20 Report to the Community Summary

In summary, the Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning Institute has had its most successful year yet concerning the quality and number of research projects underway; disseminating research; obtaining funding for research; partnering with scholars and intuitions in Nova Scotia and beyond; supporting, mentoring, and providing opportunities for new scholars; developing community engagement events around our research; and developing a unique academic peer-reviewed journal for publishing original research related to Africentric research. The Research Committee is grateful for the dedication, professionalism, hard work, and networking skills of Dr. George Frempong, as well as Sylvia Parris- Drummond, Chief Executive Officer, and all staff who have contributed to the success of the Youth conference attendees posing with f Asher Trim-Gaskin, Program Manager of Imhotep Institute’s research in the 2019-20 year. Legacy Academy

Dr. Timothy Bardouille, Dr. Tamara Franklin, Dr. Marva Sweeney-Nixon, Dr. George Frempong, Crystal Watson.

The Delmore Buddy Daye Learning Institute hosted The symposium concluded with a number of a networking social event on the first evening of graduate and undergraduate students from the conference, with Bruce Johnson as the guest Dalhousie showcasing their research in unique speaker. areas of STEM and health

DBDLI • 2019-20 Report to the Community 15 DBDLI Financial Statements

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28 DBDLI • 2019-20 Report to the Community DBDLI 2019-2020 in Pictures

Black Leadership Youth Conference hosted at Mount Saint Vincent University, May 24, 2019

Future Leaders Initiative “A Conversation with Barack Obama” November 13, 2019

Sister 2 Sister (S2S) Conference, March 31, 2020

DBDLI • 2019-20 Report to the Community 29 DBDLI Tyee*

DBDLI Board

Jocelyn Dorrington Darrin Talbot Mukisa Kakembo Marcus Marsman Chairperson Treasurer Board Member Board Member

Angela Simmonds Gilbert Daye Randy Headley Susan M. Brigham Vice-Chairperson Secretary Board Member Board Member

“One head alone does not go into council.” - Ghanaian Proverb Lillian (Missy) Searl Board Member

* Swahili for “the Chieftain - council of chiefs, leadership”

30 DBDLI • 2019-20 Report to the Community DBDLI Staff

Dr. George Frempong Kevin Harrison Director of Research Community Engagement & Public Relations

Sylvia Parris-Drummond Victoria Nadine Lake Chief Executive Officer Finance Officer

Chanae Parsons Samuel Provo-Benoit Coordinator of Youth Administrative Assistant Initiatives and Projects

Ramona Hill Executive Assistant

DBDLI • 2019-20 Report to the Community 31 Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning Institute Excellence in Africentric Education & Research DBDLI Vision The DBDLI, an Africentric institute, creates educational change for learners and communities of African ancestry to have genuine opportunities to reach their full potential. DBDLI Mission Improving educational experiences, opportunities, and outcomes for Nova Scotian learners of African ancestry. DBDLI Values The DBDLI is guided by the following values: Integrity: We are committed to demonstrate integrity through being ethical, honest, and transparent in all that we do. Community: We hold the interest of the African (Black) community at the forefront of our vision and mission. Africentricity: We are committed to reclaiming and delivering African-derived world views and values. Social Responsibility: We are committed to ensuring our research and activities effectively support and benefit community. We promote engagement and empowerment that leads to societal transformation. Access & Equity: We are committed to advancing our vision/mission by creating pathways towards opportunities that strive to ensure inclusiveness and equity. Anti-Oppression: We are committed to challenging, educating, and raising awareness about oppression in all its forms. Excellence in Africentric Education & Lifelong Learning: We are committed to supporting and advancing the highest qualities and standards in academic achievement and ongoing learning and development for the community, utilizing an Africentric orientation. Excellence in Africentric Research: We are committed to providing research that is informed by data (quantitative and qualitative), understands the community as central, and is grounded in the values and traditions of the African (Black) community. f

Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning Institute Excellence in Africentric Education & Research

Dedicated to improving the educational experiences, opportunities and outcomes for African Nova Scotian learners and educators.

Delmore “Buddy” Daye Learning Institute (DBDLI)

5450 Cornwallis Street

Halifax, NS B3K 1A9

Telephone: (902) 407-3200 Toll-Free: 1 (855) 350-3200 Fax: (902) 407-3263 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.dbdli.ca flii