Media Advisory - Last day of Black History Month: 2,000 people sign petition demanding provincial funding for Black Culture Program

TORONTO, Feb. 27 /CNW/ - On the last day of Black History Month,
community activists and students will hold a press conference demanding that the provincial government provide funding for the Black Cultural Program in the next budget.

The Committee for the Promotion of Black History and Culture Programs will present a petition - with almost 2,000 signatures - demanding provincial funding for these programs.

The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) offers the Black Cultural Program at 13 elementary schools. Thirty classes serve approximately 750 students. The classes began in 1977 after parents mobilized and requested them. Seven new classes were opened this year. However, the program is in jeopardy since it does not receive any provincial funding.

"Black Cultural programs empower black students and their parents, giving black children a vital sense of connection...and this is essential with a provincial high-school drop-out rate that is now over 40%," says Anne-Marie Roberts, educator and community activist.