A Taste of Tea Honors Leading Black Women Educators of LBPSB
by Dan Mullins
Despite the cool and rainy weather on a recent Sunday afternoon following International Women’s Day, the atmosphere inside the Cote St. Luc Community & Aquatic Centre, where the annual “A Taste of Tea” event took place, was warm and bright.
This year celebrating Black women in education, the Playmas Montreal Cultural Association honoured two of Lester B. Pearson’s own: Ms. Sabi Hinkson, a PhD student and teacher at PACC Adult, and Ms. Wusua Mitchell, principal at LaSalle Community Comprehensive High School. Along with four other outstanding Black women educators, the pair was feted over the course of the afternoon.
Sabi Hinkson (left) and Wusua Mitchell (right) receive the Woman of Merit award from Playmas founder Gemma Raeburn-Baynes and Cote St. Luc Mayor Mitchell Brownstein.
Hinkson, who is currently a PhD candidate researching education from the perspective of equity, diversity and inclusion, described the event as “heartwarming.” She was joined by one of her two adult daughters, whom she raised as a single mother. Pictured here on the front cover of the Gazette in 2001, Hinkson had won a Lester B. Pearson School Board public-speaking contest at that time. She has long been associated with the board in one way or another. “I am so happy to be a part of the Lester B. Pearson School Board family,” she writes.
Mitchell, who has been principal of LCCHS since 2022, began her teaching career in the United States, having taught elementary school in Washington D.C. and for the Marcus Garvey Institute before achieving her M. Ed. and subsequently serving with distinction as an LBPSB administrator for the past 17 years. She is also the proud mother of two children.
Playmas founder and community activist Gemma Raeburn-Baynes was a constant and welcoming presence as she oversaw the event, which was masterfully emceed by the talented Miss Trish. The day featured delicious teas provided by the Tea Therapy Shop, a sweet table, along with the award presentation. A fashion show, featuring many models from LBPSB high schools, presented great looks and the latest in local couture. The keynote address was delivered by Ms. Yvonne Sam, a poetry reading was provided by Janice Farray, and the audience was treated to a great deal of wonderful music. DJ 20 played, and R&B singer CeCe Walker performed and was joined onstage by Treh Lamonte. Singer Skipper Dean did justice to the very best of Motown, and Zina Edwards lifted spirits as she sang beautiful gospel.
Among the luminaries in attendance were former LBPSB principals Angela Andrews and Alix Adrien, along with Director General Cindy Finn, and mayor of Cote St. Luc Mitchell Brownstein.
For more information about Playmas, please visit their website, and have a look at the LBPSB’s equity, diversity, dignity and inclusion initiative.
