HAMILTON, ON, Feb. 17 /CNW/ - Lawrence Hill, author of the celebrated historical fiction The Book of Negroes, joined local grade 12 students yesterday at Sir John A MacDonald High School for a Q&A session to launch the new Black History in Canada Education Guide. Created by The Historica-Dominion Institute and sponsored by TD Bank Group, the Guide draws on Hill's novel to bring black history to life in classrooms across Canada.

"We are thrilled to be in Hamilton with Lawrence Hill to celebrate Black History Month and our exciting new Education Guide," said Jeremy Diamond, the Institute's Director of Development and Programs. "We are proud to pay tribute to African-Canadian heritage today and in classrooms across Canada."

The Guide explores seminal events and personalities in black Canadian history through discussion and interactive activities. Structured around themes of journey, slavery, human rights, passage to Canada and contemporary culture, the Guide asks students to examine issues of identity, equality, community, and nation-building in both a historical and contemporary context. The tools are supplemented with additional activities and resources at the Black History Portal (www.blackhistoryincanada.ca).

"Both the Guide and portal 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," says Scott Mullin, Vice President, Community Relations, TD Bank Group. "We're delighted to partner with The Historica-Dominion Institute on these innovative initiatives."

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.

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.