The B.C. government is looking at how it could expand learning about black history in public schools in this province.

Education Minister Rob Fleming was asked about the topic earlier this week, amid widespread anti-racism protests across the United States.

“As a matter of fact, I’ve just drafted a letter to the BC Black History Association, an organization I’ve worked with before becoming the Minister of Education, and certainly during my time in this position, about curriculum materials and learning units that are available now.”

Fleming says many students are interested in talking about current events.

“Including what we’re seeing in the United States right now, and the demonstrations in solidarity that we’ve seen in Canada. So as I’ve said, I’ve written a letter to the BC Black History Association to make this a teachable moment, if you will. How we can strengthen the curriculum ties to learn about the multicultural history, including the history of the black community, in British Columbia,” he says.

“I think given what we’re seeing not just in the United States, but the rise in racism even during this pandemic, which you’ve heard the Premier and a number of my colleagues, including myself, to speak up and speak out about.”