We Remember: Serena Virk Brings WWI’s Black Battalion to a New Generation
/
During Black History Month, we celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Black people and their communities who, throughout history, have done so much to inspire change towards a more culturally diverse, compassionate, and prosperous world.
FriesenPress is honoured to have assisted many writers share their powerful stories about the Black experience over the years. This is one of those stories.
Professional educators know that expanding our horizons through learning can be a lifelong pursuit. The halls and classrooms of an elementary school provide a daily opportunity for both students and teachers to ask questions and grow from their answers.
To witness that concept in action, look no further than Serena Virk.
As an elementary school physical education and health teacher, Serena has spent over 20 years in an energetic educational environment. She found the inspiration to write a book could strike at almost any moment — including while helping a colleague set up a more diverse Remembrance Day display.
That experience is now manifested as We Remember the Black Battalion — a picture book for young readers published with FriesenPress in 2023. As told in Serena’s free verse poem, We Remember the Black Battalion shares the history of the No. 2 Construction Battalion, an all-Black labour unit of soldiers who were denied the ability to fight in service of Canada in World War 1 due to their race. More commonly known as “the Black Battalion,” the outfit formed in response, cutting lumber, milling logs, and was an integral part of the war effort. The book both examines an overlooked aspect of Black Canadian history and uses this unit as a lens to teach children vital lessons about racism and discrimination.
With high-kicks being conducted in the background (“Sorry, can you hear that? There’s karate popping in my gym.”), Serena took time on her lunch break to speak with us about her unexpected journey from book idea to the cover of the Toronto Star, the incredible impact the book is having on young readers in Ontario and beyond, and so much more.
When did you first learn the story of the Black Battalion?
A few years ago, a colleague and I were making a Remembrance Day display case, and I remember saying to her, “Oh, is there any diversity we can add? What did Black soldiers do?” I was sure they were in the war. During that time, school boards were pushing this culturally responsive teaching, but my colleague couldn’t find any books or resources on that subject.
From there, I just started researching it on my own. When I started, it was the Black Battalion that popped up a lot. I started reading up on it, and it was super fascinating. And then what clicked to me was, “Why can’t little kids learn this?” I’m 40-something years old and I’ve learned something — why can’t they learn about this Black Canadian history, too?
So, that’s what I did. I made the book and specifically tailored it for Grades 1 to 6. There’s not a lot of resources for teachers to use in the school when it comes to culturally responsive teaching, [even though] the boards are telling you, “you need to be doing this.” And it’s like, “okay, well, are you going to give us resources? How about helping us?” There isn’t a lot [available], especially in the elementary, Grade 1 to 5 level.
That’s how it all started. I’m happy I did it. It was just an interest I had that I wanted to share with teachers, educators, and parents. I want this known across Canada, because this is Canadian history. Educators should know there’s something out there you can use if you want to teach kids about the Black Battalion. Picture books are awesome because it’s such a jumping-off point. Kids love pictures and you can get a lot of discussion going through picture books.
I also put questions at the end of the book, just in case a teacher couldn’t think of questions for the class as they’re reading. You can ask the class open-ended questions so they can share what they think, what they wonder, and get them discussing as a group.
This is your first book; was publishing a book something you had always wanted to do?
Oh my goodness, no. I never thought about that. It was never my dream to be an author. I’m a phys ed and health teacher — I’ve been doing this for 22 years. I love my job; it’s my passion. When I started reading about this subject, I just had an interest and a passion for learning. I wanted little kids to learn this story, too.
That’s also why I went through the self-publishing route with FriesenPress. I was kind of hesitant. It’s a big jump, right? You’re always thinking, “Is it going to go well? Is it going to be received well?” But it’s been good. I’ve been getting great feedback. It was so worth it.
Do your students know their teacher has written a book?
Yes! My principal shared it last year, and last year I did a reading. I actually read it with the juniors and it was so great. You can tie different things into this book — I tied it with discrimination, because the kids were a little older. So we read it, and we talked about it.
I had brought in some news articles about different types of discrimination; we talked about the different forms of discrimination out there. Racism is one, but there are others like disability discrimination in sports, and in gender identity. It was an eye opener for the children. They’re young, so they don’t realize that it happens. Hopefully they won’t experience it, but discrimination does happen. We read a housing article and the kids just asked, “How is this fair?” And it’s not fair. We had a great talk.
How did the illustrations come together? What was it like seeing them for the first time?
Oh my God, it was so awesome. I connected with the illustrator, Arnab, online, and it was very exciting to see that process. First is a sketch, and once I approve the sketch, the next version would be all coloured and more detailed. By then you’re like, “oh my God, it’s coming together.” When you see my words with his pictures — it’s a story.
This one teacher shared with me, “I have this one student in my class. He never talks. He’s a quiet student, and when I read this book back in November, he had something to say and he said, ‘simple but powerful.’” That was his feedback, and I’m like, “Yes! That’s what I wanted.”
I wanted information that’s simple for kids to understand at that age, but powerful enough that the pictures and the words made an impact for them. I love hearing that feedback; it just makes you feel good. You’re so happy that [the book is] being used.
You were on the front page of the Toronto Star in November. How did that opportunity come about?
That started when I touched base with the Ontario Black History Society in the summer; I’ve since ordered books for them.
Pamela from the Ontario Black History Society knew a reporter, so she got us connected. I thought it was a little community piece that was going to be in the newspaper. A friend texted me first thing in the morning with a, “You’re in the front cover!” I couldn’t believe it. I had to go out and buy copies. Even the reporter didn’t know! She was a new reporter and was shocked that her piece made the front page. It was a first for both of us — so cool.
I’m actually going to be on Breakfast Television with Kathy Grant on February 16th. Kathy manages the Black Canadian Veterans Facebook page, is a researcher and content producer for its website, and was one of the main people who reviewed my book for historical accuracy. It’ll be nice to talk about the book and their great website for Black History Month — it’s such a good follow-up resource. Their website has information for teachers to educate students about Black soldiers beyond the Black Battalion, highlighting their contributions and all that they’ve done.
What other ways are you getting this book out there?
I have the book in five school boards at the moment — I’ve started reaching out to school boards outside of Ontario as well, so that they know a resource like this exists for their students. I actually just got an email today from a school district in Manitoba; she was letting me know that they ordered some copies for schools in that district, so it’s so good to hear.
Going to events and networking really does help. I did a couple with the Ontario Black History Society; you meet people, make connections, and momentum builds.
What are you most proud of with this book?
I’m proud that it’s reaching the younger audience because when I wrote it, I wanted [to reach] that younger audience because they can learn this. You don’t have to be a middle school or teenager to learn this history. You can learn this young, and I’m really proud that I tailored it for that age group and that it’s being used — and that I’m hearing good things about the feedback from it.
I hope people use this material anytime in the year. It doesn’t have to be February or November. That includes my book and the Black Canadian Veterans website — it’s just more information, a little piece of knowledge that kids didn’t have before but they have it now.
Why do you feel that the story of the Black Battalion isn’t more widely known?
That’s a great question, because I didn’t learn about this in school. Maybe having more culturally responsive teaching is helping bring these stories to light. I think we will see more of these books and stories in the years ahead. I really do. You don’t realize what’s missing until you start looking for it.
When I talk to people, there’s a lot of stories from Black Canadian veterans, outside the Black Battalion, and you’re just like, “wow.” You don’t realize there’s a whole history there.
That’s what I’ve learned from all this. This is just one story of many.
