OUR STORY
Founded in 2005, the Durham Black Educators Network (DBEN) was created by a group of Black educators who saw the challenges Black students faced in the Durham District School Board. They came together to make a difference.
As a grassroots community organization, DBEN is dedicated to improving the education and well-being of Black students, families, and educators. Over the past 15 years, we’ve developed and launched programs that empower, support, and uplift our community—turning our commitment into action.
merge with about us page
- highlight past chairs (4)
Enhancing the engagement, empowerment, and excellence of our youth, parents, staff, and community members. While supporting our well-being and pursuit of excellence, while interrupting damaging narratives about Black youth and Black culture.
Our Values
Develop and implement programs to support students, parents and DDSB staff of the Black diaspora.
Our Mission
Our Purpose
Building a village that encourages engagement + empowerment. Created by Us for Us.
(Just the top of the iceberg)
Our Impact
our impact
Developed DDSB's first Black Studies course.
First piloted at J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate in Ajax in 2008.
~ 300
And Still We Rise Alumni Leaders
Developed DDSB's first Black Studies course.
First piloted at J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate in Ajax in 2008
20 +
collaborative partnerships with organizations within Durham Region, Toronto + GTA to support community care
10+
years of Activating Student Success Awards with 7 scholarships to support the dreams + goals of our youth
~over 10K
youth impacted through our programming
