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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, February 6, 2015 | 6 More than a month for Black history The following guest editorial was written by Sam Hammond, president of the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO). Frederick Douglass, a 19th century African-American slave, abolitionist, author and statesman, said, "Once you learn to read, you will be forever free." That quote is featured on a new poster prepared for elementary teachers in celebration of Black Canadian children's authors. For young people, freedom to learn about the world, its people and all its possibilities is matched by the power that reading has to help them build a sense of their place in the world. But what if they don't see themselves re ected in the books, the videos and the posters in their classrooms, their libraries or community centres? Can a child who is black, female, Aboriginal or someone with a disability imagine themselves the hero of a story, a strong leader, or a success in sports or academics if they don't see themselves represented? Books and videos present us with strong role models we seek to emulate as we're growing up. What if there are no positive role models for a young person who is lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning (LGBTQ). Do they see they have a place and a purpose in the world? Markers such as February's Black History Month, The Day of Pink and National Aboriginal Day are important ways in which teachers focus attention on the diversity evident in our classrooms, schools and communities. They help children learn about the differences, histories and struggles many groups have faced to gain equality and respect. These explorations help children from all backgrounds see themselves and their families having a place in the world around them, and experience acceptance. These experiences shouldn't be limited to a designated month or a day; for example, when we only explore the stories of Black Canadians in February. There are many books written today for children and youths that portray diverse characters and storylines without resorting to stereotypes. There would be many more if publishers understood the value of multiple perspectives from which stories can be told. The reality is our Ontario communities are diverse. Most children understand and accept these realities, often more than the adults around them. Our classrooms, school libraries and public libraries can play a greater role in providing children and youths with books and posters that re ect this diversity. In its many professional development programs, the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (ETFO) includes resources that list an array of age-appropriate books that speak to equity and issues of inclusion. Such books are out there, waiting to be discovered and shared. A student shouldn't have to imagine themselves as someone else to be a hero in their own story and in their life. They shouldn't have to wait for Black History Month, The Day of Pink, National Aboriginal Day or the International Day of Persons with Disabilities to celebrate and nd empowerment in the freedom to be who they are. Editorial F O R C E O F "Connected to your Community" N A T U R E 447 Speers Road, Oakville ON, L6K 3S4 General Inquiries: (905) 845-3824 Editorial Department: (905) 632-0588 Classi ed Advertising: (905) 632-4440 Circulation: 5300 Harvester Rd., Burlington (905) 631-6095 Volume 53 | Number 11 The Oakville Beaver is a division of Editorial and advertising content of the Oakville Beaver is protected by copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Vice ­President and Group Publisher of Metroland West Regional General Manager Halton Region Editor in Chief Advertising Director NEIL OLIVER DAVID HARVEY JILL DAVIS DANIEL BAIRD Managing Editor ANGELA BLACKBURN RIZIERO VERTOLLI Nothing brings a community together like a... snow storm? That's what happened on Sandhurst Drive, as neighbours and children teamed up to help shovel driveways and a path after Monday's heavy snowfall. "It was simply amazing," said resident Eleanor Garramone. | submitted photo Photography Director Business Manager Director of Production SANDY PARE MARK DILLS MANUEL GARCIA Letters to the Editor Production Manager Director of Distribution CHARLENE HALL KIM MOSSMAN Circulation Manager `I like Oakville,' says resident after snow Recently when the road in front of my driveway was plowed, they missed the edge of the driveway by many feet and the snow was too much for an old man to remove or push through. One call (was made) to a nice person at the Town of Oakville about the snow problem. They immediately came and removed all this snow to make my life easy and safe. I like it here. I like it here in Oakville where people care. My thanks to the Town and the staff for being so A snow plowing glitch left more than a windrow in front of one Oakville resident's driveway. The Town immediately made amends and sent a plow to correct the ef cient. oversight. Virender Paul | submitted photo Madan, Oakville The Oakville Beaver welcomes letters from its readers. Letters will be edited for clarity, length, legal considerations and grammar. In order to be published all letters must contain the name, address and phone number of the author. Letters should be addressed to: The Editor, Oakville Beaver, 5040 Mainway, Burlington ON L7L 7G5 or via e-mail to; ablackburn@oakvillebeaver.com. The Beaver reserves the right to refuse to publish a letter. 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