Peel District School Board Hosts first Black Student Alliance Showcase of Music, Dance and Arts

BY PAUL JUNOR

It was truly an inspiring, exciting and entertaining evening on Tuesday, April 30^th, 2024, when the Peel District School Board (PDSB) hosted its first ever Black Student Alliance showcase. This grand celebratory event was held at Chinguacousy Secondary School in Brampton. The showcase featured the participation of 18 schools as well as 17 acts that spanned a wide range of musical genres from the African, Black and Afro-Caribbean diaspora under the theme “Black to the Future.”

Rashmi Swarup, Director of Education PDSB states, “More than just a spotlight on the endless talents and passions within PDSB, the inaugural Black Student Association showcase is a celebration of student: voices, culture and creativity. It’s where brilliance shines, communities connect and people are inspired. I hope this marks the beginning of an annual tradition for the Peel board.”

Chantal Madray, Resource Teacher of African, Black, Afro-Caribbean Student Success states, “The BSA Showcase marks a significant moment for PDSB, pioneering a platform to celebrate the remarkable talents of Black students through their respective Black Student Associations.

We’re thrilled to have had people attend, amplify and celebrate Black brilliance. This event stands as a pivotal complement of the Black Student Success Strategy where we aim to underscore the Ethics of Care. Through this lens, we emphasize the invaluable transmission of knowledge across generations, the transformative power of unity within our community, and the profound love for Black joy.”

After the land acknowledgement was read the event started with the National Anthem and Black National Anthem being sung by students: Kahil Butler, Massena Dei, Denessa Mullings, Ki Ara Canada, and Khandea Robinson. Dr. Camille Logan, Associate Director of the PDSB in her opening remarks stated, “We see what these students have for you tonight and it is going to lift your spirits, and this is what we want to do with them in our school programs.”

Trustee David Green, Chair of the PDSB remarked about the importance of seeing the PDSB as a wider community. He notes “We stand as a community. We stand as a family and that is what makes us strong.”

The list of the performances included:

• Chinguacousy Secondary School in Hair-stage
• A step routine from the BCSA from Sunny View Middle School
• The Black Experience by Alexander and Edi from Agnes Taylor BSU
• A Step Dance titled “Say It Proud” performed by Erin Centre Middle School
• A performance of Caribbean movement through dance by Brampton Centennial Secondary School BC
• An inspirational book rap focusing on unity and community titled “Yes, We Can,” by the ABC Association from Artesian Drive
• A spoken word performance titled “Self-Acceptance,” by Gabriella Byrne
• Black Royals from Massey Street Public School
• A step performance by Lincoln Alexander Secondary School: The team was described as a highly motivated group of grade nine students who performed synchronized routines which involved a fusion of elements of dance and cheer.
• A piece about never giving up by Beatty Fleming Public School, which emphasized the importance of being driven, focused and organized 11. There was a drum line performance by Lincoln Alexander Secondary School
• Performance by Lincoln Alexander Secondary Schools Drumline
• Step Dance performance by PDSB first step dance team. It focuses on the unity that comes from the power of Sisterhood.
• Performance of “Black Brilliance Kaboor,” by Bristol Road BSA
• A dance performance of SOCA meaning the “School of (Calypso) music and dance to showcase the interpretation of Carnival. Audience members were excited to jump and wave their flags.
• STEPPAS from Central Peel Secondary School performed

The highlight of the evening was a special performance titled, “The Sisterhood” by the first PDSB all Black female step team. It was made up of students from Grade 7- 12 from two Brampton schools: North Park Secondary, and Central Peel Secondary School.

There were three awards that were given out during the evening. They include:

Knowledge Award: This award was given to a Chinguacousy Secondary School BAS who demonstrated Afrofuturism in different areas and through their activities in building capacity and promoting positive changes in the PDSB.

Unity Award: This was awarded to a Sunnyview Middle School BAS, who works with feeder schools and diverse community partners to expand critical consciousness and leadership skills.

Love Award: This was given to Artesian Drive Public School BSA, who nurtures the development of students to pursue a variety of fields through community work.

Raquel Walker (Instructional Coordinator for: African, Black and Afro-Caribbean Student Success Strategy at the PDSB) gave the concluding remarks, “On a night like this, it is important for us to celebrate excellence. The showcase is an example and a snapshot of things that are happening across PDSB schools.

Tonight, We Rise Together 2.0: Black Student Success Strategy in action., provides a way forward towards systemic change and better outcomes and well-being for students of the African diaspora. The strategy also highlights our diversity and our brilliance each and every day. The legacy among students and teachers who have gathered here, and community members is a perfect demonstration of the Ethics of Care and Black People Ubuntu. I am because we are.”