For the Bradford Library’s Teen Advisory Group (TAG), Black History Month has been a springboard for its 'Teen Many Cultures' celebration, held at the library on Thursday afternoon.
TAG partnered with The Centre for Women, Youth and Culture – the group founded by Cheraldean Duhaney, to celebrate Canadian-Caribbean culture – in a presentation of dance, music and more, geared toward teens.
Duhaney’s group celebrated Black History Month with a high-energy dance performance by members of the Youth Elevation Dance Troupe, while young rapper Prince Jae and his crew had everyone on their feet, singing along to the music.
The afternoon included free pizza, juice and cookies for all and a trivia challenge, based on the information booths set up by TAG members, to display and share their own varied heritage.
Visitors could learn about the traditions of Sri Lanka, the celebration of the Lunar New Year in Vietnam, First Nations beadwork, the cultures of Mexico and Peru, and check out recipes from around the world – then use what they had learned in the trivia quiz to win prizes.
The afternoon was about more than heritage, noted Duhaney. It was also about leadership, and teens themselves taking charge and organizing both the event and the performances.
“They are the boss. They tell me what they want to do,” said Duhaney. “I’m just here to serve.”
She invited the whole community to the Centre for Women, Youth and Culture’s next event on Saturday, Feb. 29.
On Feb. 29 at 11 a.m., join the BWG Diversity Action Group for a Black History Celebration featuring Mystic Drumz. In this interactive show, kids will explore percussion instruments and their rhythms, and make crafts. And at 1 p.m., the Centre for Women, Youth and Culture will present I Have a Dream, an all-ages social, with performances and refreshments.
