Celebrating Black Excellence: Animating untold Canadian stories

Historica Canada

Animation
Education and learning

Illustration

Animation

Editing

Sound/music

For this project, Sandbox partnered with Historica Canada, an organization dedicated to promoting learning and reflecting on Canadian history, to produce three animated videos for Canada History Week. This year’s series focused on the History of Black Excellence, amplifying underrepresented voices and celebrating achievements that shaped Canada as a nation. Designed to reach middle and high school students, as well as the broader public, the videos shine a light on inspiring individuals whose stories have often been overlooked.

Illustration of Joe Trouillot in his later years

Our team developed three animated videos, each crafted for seamless dissemination across social media and educational platforms. The subjects included Violet King, Canada’s first Black female lawyer; Joe Trouillot, a trailblazing Haitian-Canadian musician; and Dr. Clement Ligoure, Halifax’s first Black doctor, who treated hundreds of victims following the Halifax Explosion. From scriptwriting and storyboarding to voice talent selection, our focus was on authenticity and impactful storytelling, ensuring that the videos reflected the identities and experiences of their subjects.

The final deliverables, produced in both English and French, provided a visually engaging educational resource that resonated across diverse audiences. By blending animation, sound design, and thoughtful creative direction, the videos contributed to Historica Canada’s mission of building a better, more inclusive Canada. These stories not only celebrate Black Excellence but also encourage reflection on Canada’s history at large, highlighting the importance of representation to help inspire future generations.

Illustration of people affected by the Halifax explosion, they are taking refuge at Dr. Clements practice

CREDITS

Executive Producer: Boaz Beeri

Producer: Aaron Hancox

Creative Director: Akilah Newton

Illustrator/Animator: Andre Barnwell

Illustrator/Animator:Joseph Osei Bonsu

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