MONTREAL – Global New’s Elysia Bryan-Baynes was the keynote speaker at Rosemount High School Wednesday to celebrate Black History Month.
The show featured a performance from Coronation Elementary School students and a dance number from l’Académie de Danse de Montréal.
Students also participated on stage with nine-time Canadian tap dancing champion Justin Jackson.
“I remember when I was their age, what really got me through school was watching presentations,” Jackson told Global News.
He is an advocate of providing artistic and cultural education in elementary and high schools.
His school provided a dance program, which he credited for kickstarting his career.
“I could get the hard work done, but also have a getaway to do what was fun,” he said.
Bryan-Baynes presented her interests and career achievements to the students.
The goal of the presentations across the English Montreal School Board (EMSB) is to reinforce a feeling of equality throughout its schools.
Vince Lacroce, the spiritual and community animator for the school board, was proud of the enthusiasm in the auditorium.
“We want to celebrate dreams and opportunities. As Canadians, I always felt that we need to celebrate our heritage and where we came from,” he said.
Various presentations took place across many schools of the EMSB this month.