Students Celebrate Launch of the Black History in Canada Education Guide with The Book of Negroes author, Lawrence Hill

$1 million donation to Dalhousie by TD for black student education announced as part of celebrations

HALIFAX, Feb. 11 /CNW/ - Local high school students and community leaders joined special guest Lawrence Hill today at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic to launch the new Black History in Canada Education Guide created by The Historica-Dominion Institute and sponsored by TD Bank Group. At the celebrations TD announced a donation from the bank to Dalhousie University for a black student education program.

African-Canadian literature students led a Q & A with the author in Halifax, the birthplace of Hill's award-winning epic, and read from the historic naval ledger the "Book of Negroes" that inspired his story.

"We are thrilled to be in Nova Scotia to celebrate Black History Month and our exciting new Education Guide," said Jeremy Diamond, the Institute's Director of Development and Programs. "This region is home to a rich African-Canadian heritage and we are proud to pay tribute to that legacy today and in classrooms across Canada."

TD also announced a gift of $1 million to Dalhousie University in order to aid students from the black community in pursuing post-secondary education. The TD Black Student Opportunity Grant is a co-ordinated effort to provide support based on financial need and academic potential and includes the support of an outreach program for African Nova Scotian junior and senior high students aimed at creating role models, encouraging academic aptitude, and providing motivation and incentives for students to attend a post-secondary institution.

"Access to university for capable students should be the right of every Canadian, regardless of their origins. Early mentoring can inspire dreams which later can be achieved with essential financial supports provided at just the right moment," says Tom Traves, President and Vice-Chancellor, Dalhousie University. "TD Bank Group's tremendous gift to Dalhousie University will inspire and support young people from Nova Scotia's black community to dream and build a better future for all of us."

"We're delighted to partner with Historica-Dominion Institute and Dalhousie University on the innovative education guide and scholarship," says Bruce Shirreff, Senior Vice President Atlantic Region, TD. "Both initiatives tie in strongly with our commitment to promote success in education for black youth and enhance Canadians' knowledge and sense of pride in the role of the black community in our history."

The Historica-Dominion Institute is the largest charitable organization dedicated to Canadian history, identity and citizenship. Its mandate is to build active and informed citizens through a greater knowledge and appreciation of the history, heritage and stories of Canada. Visit www.historica-dominion.ca.

Dalhousie University, situated in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is a world-renowned educational institution with a student population of over 16,000. Currently, Dalhousie University has 11 faculties that offer 3,700 courses in 180 areas of study. Since 1818 when the university was established, Dalhousie has been integral in supporting a vibrant and diverse community.

TD Community Giving TD invests in communities to make a positive impact where it does business and where our customers, clients and employees live and work. In 2010, TD donated over $50 million to support community organizations in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. In Canada, we focus on Education and Financial Literacy, Creating Opportunities for Young People, and the Environment. For more information, visit www.td.com/corporateresponsibility.