Black Mental Health
Black Mental Health Week
March 2-9, 2026
This years theme is: "The Power of Connection: Ancestral Wisdom in a Digital Age".
“Expanding on the meaning of connection beyond the screen, this year’s theme also honours the grounding ties of family, community and ancestors. It weaves together modern tools and ancestral wisdom”
In March 2020, the Provincial Government passed Bill 178, officially recognizing Black Mental Health Day—a day that was first championed by the City of Toronto, Taibu Community Health Centre, CAFCAN, and Strides Toronto. In 2021, this recognition expanded to Black Mental Health Week, affirming the importance of centring Black well-being.
At TDSB, we honour the unwavering spirit of Black students, families, and communities, even in the face of anti-Black racism. We recognize that Black mental health and well-being cannot be confined to a single day or week—our commitment must be daily and ongoing.
Anti-Black racism has profound and lasting effects on emotional well-being, yet Black communities continue to thrive, heal, and build spaces of joy, care, and empowerment. We acknowledge that the weight of racial stress and trauma can lead to fatigue, exhaustion, and distrust of mental health systems, but we also uplift the power of Black voices, the depth of Black wisdom, and the resilience that fuels Black futures. Our commitment is clear: to listen, to learn, and to act in ways that honour and strengthen Black mental health and well-being—every day.
The TDSB Mental Health team, proudly honour Black Mental Health Week from
March 2nd -9th 2026. This week is a time to reaffirm our commitment to the well-being, joy
and resilience of Black students, families, and communities.
Schools play a vital role in fostering spaces where Black students feel seen, valued, and supported. We recognize the need to engage in critical conversations about the impacts of racial stress and trauma on mental health while actively working towards healing. Our collective responsibility is to learn, unlearn, and cultivate environments that centre culturally responsive and identity affirming spaces. When Black students and families have access to affirming supports, positive mental health outcomes and mentally healthy schools become possible.
Honouring Black mental health means ensuring meaningful, accessible, and culturally responsive resources are available. Seeking support from professionals who identify within the Black Diaspora is essential in affirming and sustaining well-being. The following slides provide links to TDSB and community resources, activities, and videos designed to uplift and support positive Black mental health—every day.
The Importance Of Black Mental Health
Black Canadians Bridging Ancestral Wisdom
Connecting Pathways To Digital Technologies
Frantz Saintellemy
Karen John
Juliet Daniel
Sean Green
Bryan Johnson
Justina Omokhua
Black Communities Bridging Ancestral Wisdom
Connecting Pathways In Digital Technology
TDSB and School Mental Health Ontario -Identity Affirming Resources
(click on posters)
BLACK COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS & RESOURCES
(click on posters)
Identity Affirming Community Resource & Programs
(click on posters)
DISMANTLING ANTI-BLACK RACISM AND HEALING CENTERED ENGAGEMENT RESOURCES (Click on poster)
Other Resources Thought Pieces
Ontario Human Rights Commission - Dreams Delayed - Addressing Systemic Anti-Black Racism and Discrimination in Ontario’s Public Education Sector
Racism, Health & What You Can Do About
Violence, Racism and Mental Health: Where do we go from here
It’s a traumatic moment’: How everyday racism can impact mental, physical health
White Anti-Racism: Living the Legacy
Workplace Resources
Workplace strategies for mental health: Inclusivity & Mental Health
Toolkit on Race and Mental Health at Work (Pan-European)
https://www.oise.utoronto.ca/ciars/UserFiles/File/ABR_Resource_Guide-FINAL.pdf
Resources to Strengthen Your Ability to Be a Strong Ally
Resources to Strengthen Your Ability to Be a Strong Ally
Article: Becoming Trustworthy White Allies
Article: Understanding and Dismantling Racism: A Booklist for White Readers
Centre for Social Intervention: How to Be an Ally: Anti-Blackness at the Intersections panel recap
10 Books about race to read instead of asking a Person of Color to explain things to you
Imani Hennie MSW/RSW,
Itinerant Mental Health Lead
Annette Grossi, MSW/RSW
Itinerant Mental Health Lead
Roshni Malhotra,
Professional Support Services Administrative Assistant
Shameen Sandhu, PHD, MSW/RSW
System Leader Mental Health & Professional Support Services