A documentary screening and roundtable discussion (CPD accredited).
This Black History Month CPD cinema event presents an original documentary by Garrick Apollon, Director of Entrepreneurship & Innovation at the Faculty of Law, Common Law Section. Apollon is a Black lawyer-filmmaker. The event aims to cultivate a professional ethos centered on combating anti-Black racism and also celebrate women leadership.
Our Children, Our Future: The Legacy of Principal Thando Hyman chronicles the remarkable journey of Principal Thando Hyman, a prominent Black school principal in Toronto who dedicated her life to transforming the education system and confronting anti-Black racism. Through interviews with Principal Hyman, her colleagues, and former students, the film explores how her dynamic leadership and innovative school practices have supported the Black community and challenged anti-Black racism in Ontario and beyond.
Principal Hyman was the founding principal of the Africentric Alternative School, where she implemented a groundbreaking curriculum celebrating Black culture, history, and traditions. Her unwavering commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students has earned her national and international recognition. The Africentric Alternative School in Toronto is Canada’s first Africentric public school.
The film also examines Principal Hyman’s personal and professional challenges, as well as the profound impact she has had on her students and the wider community. Building on a legacy of Africentric social justice activism instilled through her parents’ work, the documentary highlights her efforts to empower children through education and shows how her influence continues to inspire generations of young learners.
Throughout the documentary, viewers witness Principal Hyman’s intelligence, resilience, determination, and courage as she navigates the complex intersections of race, education, and social justice. Our Children, Our Future is a powerful and inspiring film that celebrates the transformative power of education and the tireless dedication of an extraordinary educator.
Garrick Apollon
Director of Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Garrick Apollon is the Director of Entrepreneurship & Innovation at the Faculty of Law (Common Law Section) at the University of Ottawa and the Founding Director of the Norton Rose Fulbright Entrepreneurship & Innovation Legal Clinic. He is a lawyer-entrepreneur, filmmaker, and founder of CPE Studios, which produces documentary films for Continuing Professional Education (CPE/CPD) for legal and business audiences.
A member of the Law Society of Ontario since 2004, Garrick has over 20 years of experience in commercial law, primarily as in-house counsel, alongside extensive work in continuing professional education.
He holds an LL.B. from Université Laval, a JD from the University of Ottawa, an LL.M. in International Business Law from Université Laval, and a Master of Comparative Law (LLCM) from the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School (Penn Law). He also received training in documentary filmmaking (visual legal advocacy) at Penn Law through the Penn Program on Documentaries & the Law. Garrick has eight documentaries in his filmography.
Garrick is a board member of CABL-Ottawa and loves volunteering his time to support Canadian veterans and newcomer entrepreneurs.