Honoring Black History Month through design at Wagar
At Wagar Adult Education Centre, the Socio-Vocational Integration (SVI) students in the Graphic Design course took on a meaningful and creative challenge this past February during Black History Month: They designed over 20 posters showcasing Black historical and contemporary figures.
This initiative emerged during the layout design class, where we decided to put our skills into action in a way that celebrated both Black History Month and the achievements of individuals who have broken barriers despite facing disabilities and other challenges. Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Octavia Butler and Bessie Coleman were among those featured. Each student carefully researched and selected a remarkable Black person, from activists and artists to athletes and scholars, to recognize and honour their contributions.
Using their graphic design skills, students crafted visually compelling posters, incorporating typography, imagery and layout techniques to tell each person’s story.
To take the project further, the students brainstormed about how to display their work in the most impactful way possible. That’s when Amir Hosein Islami came up with a brilliant idea. Noticing that tape and sticky tack weren’t working well, he designed and 3D-printed custom wall clips to hold the posters securely in place. This small but innovative solution ensured that the work was presented professionally and durably.
The exhibition turned out to be a huge success, drawing attention to the intersection of Black history, disability awareness and design. More than just an assignment, the project became a powerful learning experience, blending history, creativity and problem-solving.
Each poster serves as a reminder of resilience, achievement and representation.
Through this project, the students not only honed their design skills but also contributed to a meaningful conversation about diversity and inclusion.
Elias Tanbe is the program creator and teacher of the Socio-Vocational Integration Graphic Design course at Wagar Adult Education Centre of the English Montreal School Board.
