Education is perhaps the greatest gift we can give to a young generation. Education can give us the confidence and knowledge to follow our dreams to new heights. As such, having teachers and administrators that understand and support us who we can look up to makes all the difference, particularly for students of colour in Mississauga. Black students feeling safe and secure in their education is just one way of improving their mental health and well-being.

It is important, therefore, to remember and celebrate the teachers in Mississauga’s history who have made a positive impact on Mississauga’s students, particularly in the Black community. First and foremost, we can’t forget Mississauga’s first Black teacher: Principal Arnold Eugene “Bunty” Forde (1932-2012). 

A native of Sydney, Nova Scotia, Forde had a very special school experience. Arnold was hailed as Arcadia University’s star rugby, basketball, and track and field athlete of the class of ’55. Encouraged by Coach Fred Kelly, Arnold served as the school’s rugby captain and was described as “one of the greatest players ever to carry the red and blue onto the gridiron.” He would later be honoured on the school’s hall of fame in 1989.

His future career would marry his love of sports and education when he moved to Mississauga after studying at the Ontario College of Education. Forde was first hired to teach at Port Credit Secondary School in 1958 and coached the school’s football team in 1962, taking the team to the Toronto championships. By 1967, Forde became Applewood Secondary School’s vice-principal, vice-principal of Gordon Graydon Memorial Secondary School, and Glenforest Secondary School’s principal as of 1971, and Meadowvale Secondary School’s principal in the 1981.  

His stellar resume was thanks to his ability to understand and uplift his students. In a 1974 Toronto Star article, Forde was among teachers and parents discussing the state of Ontario schools. He revealed that even as a principal, he still found it important to teach students and mentor new teachers. Teacher Stafford Lowe remembered on his obituary that he instilled in his teachers the importance of treating each child as if they were one’s own. Educator Dianne Gray recalls Mr. Forde was the host principal for a class of developmentally challenged children at Meadowvale Secondary School in 1989. She remembers how “he made the students and staff [feel] welcome and was willing to provide a variety of opportunities to promote an inclusive community.” He stressed that as a teacher, one must understand how students learn rather than simply what they learn. When students know their teachers believe in them, they will be more motivated to believe in themselves and their abilities.

His ability to touch the students in his schools was unparalleled. It is clear from the many kind notes on his obituary the impact he made on the lives of his students. Many students remembered Principal Forde as exemplifying the principles of “discipline, hard work and endurance” and likewise teaching his students the merit of having priorities and following through on one’s commitments. As a principal and basketball coach, he taught the importance of self-discipline, demanding “nothing but your best”. Former student Tammy Wushcenny remembered, “I was a student at Meadowvale Secondary and Mr. Forde was my principal and basketball coach. Truly the most influential person I have ever met. He changed my life and taught me things that have stayed with me to this day. I am the person I am today because of his guidance. I am honored to have been mentored by such an incredible man. I think of him often and will never forget all that he has done for me and all of the lives that he has touched. I wish I could have told him this.” 

Some of his students also had the opportunity to know him after graduation and he would always remember them and insist they call him Arnie. In fact, his name recall was so good in and out of school that some speculated he must have a list of names neatly tucked into his pocket. He knew every single child by name, and everyone knew him. He felt the great responsibility of preparing students for higher education and future careers. However, he also let future teachers in on a little secret. Rhodora (Meliton) Vanderpool remembered him imparting to her this piece of knowledge: “People go into teaching thinking that they'll change lives, when really the life that will be changed forever is your own”. 

Mississauga will forever remember the life and legacy of friend, educator, and family man Arnold Forde- a giant among men.

Thank you to the Region of Peel Archives and Nick Moreau for help with this article. If you would like to read more on the amazing life of Arnold Forde, click here: https://www.mississauga.com/opinion-story/9155854-arnold-forde-was-mississauga-s-first-black-teacher/