Every year York Catholic schools are invited to honor the legacy of Canadians of African Ancestry, past and present, during Black Heritage Month in February. This year’s Black Heritage Month theme is Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build, represents both an opportunity to engage in open dialogue and a commitment to learning more about the stories Black communities in Canada have to tell about their histories, successes, sacrifices and triumphs. We began the month with a school wide prayer service followed by daily announcements highlighting and celebrating the many invaluable contributions of Black Canadians.
On Wednesday, March 8th, we welcomed Mr. Babarinde Williams to St. Clare. Students in FDK to Grade 8 will have the opportunity to experience an interactive workshop with a focus on traditional African drumming and rhythms in a series of sessions. Mr. Williams will teach students hand drumming, African chants (ante-phonal calls and responses) and a short tutorial on the origins of drums and drumming in Africa. The goal is to build up school community and self-confidence using African poly-rhythm as a metaphor. The music throughout is employed as a practical vehicle representing Ubuntu (humanity) showing our interconnectedness as a community. Rhythm is not a science or art-form; it is an extension of our humanity. Playing a drum or percussion instrument can also be a useful way to communicate non-verbally and to “listen” to another person’s nonverbal communication.
Throughout the month of February, classes will take the time to celebrate the many achievements and contributions of individuals of African Ancestry to the development and culture of Canada.