Voices, Culture, and Community for Black History Month

During Black History Month in February, students, faculty, and staff participated in a series of assemblies, classroom experiences, and divisional programs that celebrated Canadian Black culture and leadership.

A full-school assembly held on February 5 and emceed by members of Crescent’s Black Students Association (BSA) featured a dynamic performance and interactive Q&A with Yere Welon, a West African drumming and dance ensemble featuring father-daughter duo Sherwin and Kimberley Charles. During a Q&A, they spoke about the importance of Black History Month, the ways in which diverse histories intertwine, and how telling Black stories can build pride and resilience. The ensemble returned later in the month to facilitate a special workshop for Lower and Middle School students.

Lower and Middle School students heard from Eddie Kawooya, who shared his journey as a writer and immigrant. Drawing on his novels Ace and the Misfits and Ace and the Misfits vs. the Soccer Knights, he explored themes of identity, inclusion, and resilience. Upper School students welcomed multi-talented writer, actor, and lecturer Kevin heronJones, who introduced them to storytelling and spoken word performance.

The Upper School programming extended to include a beginner yoga session and Q&A with Andrea Walters, a yoga teacher, traumatic brain injury survivor, and former school principal. Students also participated in a financial literacy workshop led by Shay Myers of Finance for the Culture, as well as a songwriting and Q&A session with artist and choir director Marley Edwards-Wilson. The month concluded with the Black Students Association Potluck Showcase, where BSA members shared dishes representing their cultural backgrounds with Upper School peers and faculty.