Black History Celebration At CedarBridge
[Written by Anya Thompson]
The Black History Month celebration at Cedarbridge Academy began on February 3rd and was extended through March 14th, culminating in a showcase of student creativity and academic engagement. Over six weeks, students and faculty immersed themselves in a dynamic celebration of Black excellence, history, and cultural heritage through a range of activities, discussions, and performances.
The observance featured a host of interactive and educational activities. The Social Studies Department organized insightful Black History Month programming, which included a four hour African Diaspora Tour, morning highlights of key black leaders, and a scavenger hunt facilitated by Mrs. Candace Seymour, Head Librarian and the Creation Centre. Meanwhile, Mr. Virgil and the English Department led an assembly on Black excellence, ensuring that students reflected on the invaluable contributions of Black leaders across various fields.
One of the most visually striking elements of the celebration was the transformation of classroom doors into vibrant displays. Each showcased a photo, biography, or inspirational quote from influential Black historical figures around the globe. This initiative not only brightened the school’s hallways but also served as an educational tool, encouraging students to engage with the legacy of Black pioneers locally and around the globe with the likes of Dr. E.F Gordon, Marcus Garvey, and abolitionist and author, Mary Prince.
The over a month-long celebration unfolded throughout CedarBridge Academy, with activities occurring in classrooms, and other dedicated learning spaces. The events spanned from the official launch on February 3rd to the final poetry performances on March 14th, ensuring ample time for students and teachers alike to immerse themselves in the significance of Black history and culture.
The S1 IGCSE English Classes throughout their study of the novel Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds, explored how free verse poetry can be a powerful way to tell stories, express emotions, and reflect on identity. The students created original free verse poem that celebrated Black identity, culture, and achievement. S1 student, Josiah Mears-Virgil, performed an inspiring poem that saw students and teachers in awe. The message behind his poem focused on never giving up and similarly to Martin Luther King who had a dream, he too has a dream that will be realized.
English Teacher, Ms. Althea Emery, closed out the performance with her own poem entitled, Female Black Excellence. Her riveting performance paid homage to many achievements or ‘firsts’ of Black women such as Bessie Coleman, the first Black woman pilot; Michelle Obama, the first Black woman who served as first lady of the United States; Dr. Terrylynn Emery, the first Black woman practicing OB/GYN in Bermuda; and Catherine Duffy, the first Black woman to lead AIG Bermuda, an insurance company.
Beyond celebrating history, the event emphasized the role of young people in shaping the future. A key highlight was the Black History Month Discussion Recap – The Importance of Youth Engagement in the Electoral Process, hosted by the Department of Education and the Social Studies Department. This lunchtime discussion provided a platform for students enrolled in Bermuda Studies and Preserving Our Heritage courses to examine the importance of civic participation.
Guest speakers Ryan Robinson Perinchief and Russell Lister from Future Leaders, along with Ajai Peets from Bermuda Youth Connect, engaged students in thought-provoking dialogue about advocacy, policy engagement, and their voting rights. Their key message was clear: young voices matter and are essential in shaping the political and social landscape. The guest speakers helped students to unpack and brainstorm ideas or problems that they currently face in Bermuda such as road fatalities and drug addiction and how they can effectively advocate as young people to solve issues in their communities.
The success of CedarBridge Academy’s Black History Month celebration was the result of dedicated planning, collaboration, and student engagement. From poetry to history, from civic discussions to artistic displays, the month-long observance underscored the power of education in preserving heritage and inspiring future generations.
As the school community reflects on this impactful celebration, the message remains: Black history is not confined to a single month—it is a continuous narrative of excellence, resilience, and progress.
With such a successful and enriching program, CedarBridge Academy has set a high standard for future observances. The hope is that the conversations, artistic expressions, and civic lessons learned this year will inspire ongoing engagement in social and cultural issues, reinforcing the importance of Black history as an integral part of education and everyday life.
