Inside King's-Edgehill School
On February 19th, during our Full School Assembly, Aimee Cooper, a Grade 12 IB Diploma student and KES Prefect from the Bahamas, organized a special presentation in honour of Black History Month. Aimee, along with two Junior School students, Jessica Ugwoke (Grade 9 student from Newfoundland & Labrador) and Papa Ofori (Grade 8 student from Ghana) presented the powerful words of three African-American leaders whose valuable messages transcend time and still resonate with us today. Papa did a dramatic reading from Martin Luther King, Jr.’s (1929-1968) famous political speech, “I Have a Dream”. The impactful message fell on the ears of all present: “. . .With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. . . ” Papa’s recitation was moving and motivational.
Jessica’s reading was from the African American writer, Maya Angelou (1928-2014). Often referred to as the black woman’s poet laureate, Angelou has explored themes of women, struggle, discrimination and racism through her many poems and autobiographies. Jessica chose the powerful poem, “Still I Rise”; her reflective and dramatic expression did Angelou’s work justice:
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.
Finally, Aimee wrapped up the recital with her focus on the powerful impromptu speech, “Ain’t I a Woman” by Sojourner Truth (1797-1883), the abolitionist, former slave and feminist. Aimee brought her fiery prose to life as she read reflections of the inequitable treatment of women of colour and the power they held.
It was a moving and memorable presentation recognizing three important African-American voices and the important messages that they conveyed. Special thanks to Aimee, Papa and Jessica for causing us to pause, think and be inspired.
Taya Shields
Junior School Director
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