Jarvis Magnet - 1996

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History
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The Ujaama Club (The Continental and Diasporic African Club) boldly embraced the task of
organising a school-wide event in celebration of February's recognition of Black History Month.
Entitled "Gifted Young. and Black: Our Roots and Culture." the presentation was divided into
two parts: an assembly and a series ofworkshops. The main objective ofthe event was to raise the
level ofawareness surrounding issues in and affecting the Black community among students at
Jarvis. while instilling a sense ofpride and self-esteem primarily among Jarvis's Black population.
The assembly involved members ofthe Ujaama Club• .\fr. Macponald and the Vice Principal
of theCollege Francais it Jarvis. Mr. Boulay. Many other acts. including poetry, singingof an
old "Negro" spiritual, Gumboot dancing. and speeches. were all presented at the assembly. Among
other things. the assembly was honest and riveting. It open ly challenged racism in our society.
Some of the workshops which look place on the following day were Media Images of
Black People. Racism in the Justice System. Racism in Education. Homophobia. and Dub Poetry.
Members of the community such as Ahdri Zhina
Mandiela. Margret Gittens. Amah Harris. Maxine
Greaves. and Anilia Soyinka all showed their support
by volunteering their time. and coming to
Jarvis to conduct the workshops.
While. unfortunately, only a small number
of the Jarvis population could participate. due to
limited space and time for the workshops. most of
the workshops were full. The students who did
get the chance to take pan came away feeling
educated. overwhelmed. and empowe red to be a
pan of the fight agaist discrim ination.
- Debbie Young