Flashback Feature: Ubuntu Plaque honors Black educators

Editor’s Note: You may have missed this the first time, or its impact may hit differently now. Either way, it’s worth your attention. 

It was a powerful and affirming day on Tuesday, January 27^th, 2026, at the library of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), on the University of Toronto campus. In the presence of preservice teachers, educational scholars, educators, researchers, students, professors, and community members, the Ubuntu Recognition Plaque was officially unveiled.

The Ubuntu Plaque Campaign was first introduced on December 1^st, 2025, on the OISE website. It is grounded in the philosophy of Ubuntu: “I am because we are.” As the campaign explains, “This philosophy grounds our work and reminds us that our strengths come from our collective care, resilience, and solidarity.”

The plaque also centres the theme “Honouring Our Shared Strengths.” It states, “This Plaque will honour the generosity of those who chose to walk with us as co-conspirators in the path to empower Black educators, students, and researchers to thrive despite systemic inequities.”

As a token of gratitude, every donor’s name will be permanently inscribed on the plaque symbolizing community strength and collective commitment. The plaque will serve as a daily reminder that meaningful change is built together.

There are three tiers of recognition on the Ubuntu Plaque, reflecting different levels of contribution:

• Seeds of Ubuntu – $500+
• Roots of Ubuntu – $1,000+
• Legacy of Ubuntu – $5,000+

The launch of the Ubuntu Recognition is a major initiative of the Centre for Black Studies in Education (CBSE). Under the leadership of Director Andrew B. Campbell, this fundraising effort will help cultivate six spaces of Belonging, Healing, and Possibility within the OISE community.

The unveiling took place at the conclusion of CBSE’s 2^nd Annual Educational Symposium and marked a historic moment of planting seeds for the future. As preservice teachers witnessed this event, it sparked inspiration, empowerment, and a renewed commitment to educational justice.

Pembroke Publishers contributed $3,000 to the Ubuntu Fund. Those who support this initiative are helping ensure that the legacy and impact of Black excellence in education will continue beyond this generation.