EMSB celebrates Black History Month and honours former Parkdale principal Dr. Horace I. Goddard
Posted February 6, 2025 5:55 pm.
Last Updated February 6, 2025 6:28 pm.
On Thursday, the English Montreal School Board (EMSB) kicked off Black History Month celebrations at Parkdale Elementary School in St. Laurent in the memory of the late Dr. Horace I. Goddard, a former school teacher, principal and head office administrator and a leader in the Black community.
The event also recognized Hooked on Schools Days, highlighting the value of staying in school and encouraging academic success.
“I love to write to build confidence. I love to write to help me be more successful in school. Repeat after me. Thank you, Dr. Goddard. Thank you, Dr. Goddard,” said animator Malik Shaheed.
“We’re extremely humbled to have this honour for the library to be named after my father, his dedication to the EMSB, his work, his perseverance, the work that he’s done within the community, the Black community. He’s worked for the EMSB for 36 years, so this type of recognition means a lot. Mr. Nick Katalifos explained to me this is the first time they’ve ever done something like this, so it’s an extreme honour for us to have this remembering his name here today,” says Kevin Goddard, son of the late Dr. Horace I. Goddard.
“My biggest takeaway from this presentation is the importance of Dr. Godard and the Black community, which is really important because I believe that if one section of humanity is held back, then the entire section, then everybody will be held back. It’s also really cool that he did it in this school and he was principal of this school because this school is very inclusive and has no racism,” says Emran, a grade six student at Parkdale Elementary school.
“My father would say you are only as smart as the books that you read, so don’t be afraid to read his work. They are just words on a page written with care, honesty, compassion and wit. So if you don’t understand something, I’m sure your teachers will help you. Enjoy reading,” recounted Ingrid Goddard, daughter of the late Horace I. Goddard.
“He always wanted to see people from the Black community do well and persevere and push forward in school, so I think that this moment, I’m sure he’s looking down on us today smiling, I’m sure he’s extremely proud to see that his memory is being honoured,” says Kevin Goddard.
“I learned that everyone’s different in different ways and that together we can do a lot of things,” reminisced Kevin, a grade six student at Parkdale Elementary.
