Lester B. Pearson Schools and Centres Celebrate Black History Month this February
by Marilyn Santucci
February is Black History Month and many of our schools have planned events throughout the month to honour and celebrate this important occasion. Here we present a sample of just a few of the many events taking place.
Pierrefonds Community High School
On February 3, PCHS will be raising the Pan African flag at recess, followed by a school wide workshop with Overture with the Arts. They will be presenting a workshop entitled, Tracking Black Canada: Hidden Gems.
Pierre Elliott Trudeau Elementary
In February, Pierre Elliott Trudeau Elementary will celebrate Black History Month with a master storyteller Dianea Carroll Phillips, International Speaker, Global Educator, Master Storyteller, Youth Life Coach, COO – Science Yourself No G’s About It – NASA/SEEC Aerospace STEAM Educator, Award-Winning STEM Educator.
The school is hosting two assemblies to ensure her storytelling is tailored to the audience: one for students in grades K-3 and another for students in grades 4-6, providing age-appropriate learning experiences.
Macdonald High School
On February 12, Pong, a musician, will welcome students in the morning with his steelpan playing as they enter the school. He will also conduct a presentation and perform for Grades 7 and 8.
On February 28, Kalmunity, a local band known for their performances at the Jazz Festival, will bring a diverse group of 8 artists, including poets, singers, dancers, and rappers. Their performance will also include French-language content, adding cultural variety.
John Rennie High School
On February 13, JRHS will be hosting Afro Urban performer Melo Omat. Melo is a renowned dancer, choreographer, teacher, artistic director, entrepreneur, and community leader; the founder of Uplift514 Afro Dance School and Les Studios Uplift514; and the co-founder of We Are Afro.
Sherbrooke Academy Junior
On February 10, Luc Bambara will visit classes throughout the day to lead interactive drumming workshops.
On February 12, he will give a performance for the entire school, showcasing his talent and celebrating African culture.
Throughout the month, the special education technician will engage students by highlighting influential Black historical figures. This will be integrated into her sessions with the classes to help students learn about these key individuals and their significant contributions.
St. Anthony Elementary
St. Anthony Elementary has planned several events for Black History Month, including two assemblies with the Montreal Steppers on January 29, Grade 4 workshops on February 19 and 26, two assemblies by the Get Real Movement on February 3, and daily announcements throughout February highlighting Black history facts, places, events, and people.
Westpark Elementary
Ms. Sarah Zaslov, the Personal Development and Community Facilitator, has planned the following activities for Westpark’s student community:
On Thursday, February 6, she will present “Tracking Black Canada – Hidden Gems” during two sessions. Additionally, two African drumming sessions with Luc Bambara will take place on February 25, and February 28.
Clearpoint Elementary
Clearpoint has a Black History Month presentation featuring Overture With The Arts and Omari Newton on February 5th. Another speaker, Simeon Pompey, will give a presentation on February 19. Additionally, Luc Bambara, an African drummer, will perform for the entire school and lead various class workshops during the last week of February.
Be sure to check with your school to see what they have planned for Black History Month! Tag us in your photos and videos so we can see how you are celebrating.
