Diversity is key to success in African Heritage celebrations

By Nadine Armstrong

The Hants Journal/NovaNewsNow.com

Celebrating African Heritage Month, the West Hants Cultural Enrichment Program (CEP) is taking to the stage Feb. 29 to reflect on the African contribution to society and promote diversity. The play, We Have a Dream, is a collaborative effort spearheaded by Vincent Upshaw, who is a programmer for CEP and member of the Black Education Association (BEA).

When Upshaw was approached by the Windsor African Education Committee to do something special for African Heritage Month, he saw it as a wonderful opportunity for young people of all backgrounds to work together in a positive way. “Diversity is a major key to success,” he

said. “When life is good, we need to realize that it is not necessarily good for all. We need to find the time to support your youth in creating roles to ensure a positive and lasting result.”

Upshaw said coordinating the play was also a chance to demonstrate to youth the importance of partnering with the community. Local playwright Carol Peterson has helped to co-write the play and says for her it’s all about the kids, “My first priority to for the children to have fun.”

She’s collaborated with Upshaw on Hants Learning Network Association projects and was eager to jump on board for this production.

Peterson said the message the play delivers is one of diversity and hope. “We’re like snowflakes, we’re all different, but the same,” she said. “The theme shows that in today’s world, anyone has the opportunity to do what they

want.”

Upshaw hopes that message passes on to young people on and off the stage. “Young people learn by life’s examples. On one hand, children are told to dream big, but then they encounter barriers. The need positive guidance to be creative to overcome these problems and ensure they are

heading in the right direction for a strong future.”

The CEP, an initiative of the BEA, was developed as a strategy to help the youth in Nova Scotia’s African Communities. The group meets twice a week at the Three Mile Plains School and ranges in ages between 3 and 15. Upshaw as sees the program as an opportunity to teach youth from every background the importance of acceptance and diversity. “It’s very important to build a unified base for a strong community,” he said. “I like inclusion and we’re never too young for it and young people are pretty smart.”

Avon View High School drama teacher Jennifer DesLauriers has also taken an interest in the project. “When Vince called looking for a venue we just started talking and it sounded like a great project,” she said.

The Grade 11 and 12 drama students will help work to create costumes and sets for the production.

“I think it’s good to have them involved in projects outside their school,” DesLauriers said.

For most of the CEP members this will be their first time on stage.

“I’ve never been in a play before,” said lead actor 11-year-old Isaiah Durdel. “I think it’s going to be fun, the little kids will really enjoy it.”

CEP volunteer Melissa States said it’s been wonderful working on the project. “It so great that the kids are committed to this. It’s good for their self-esteem and brings them out of their shell a little,” she said.

Dana Grey who also volunteers to mentor through CEP says the project is so special because it will give the members some positive exposure for the first time.

“You just never know, one of these kids may grow up to be an actor or actress,” Upshaw said. “The potential is there for all of them they just need someone to believe in them.”

Upshaw added that, “positive energy has to be an important part in our role models of today and regardless of the size of the accomplishment, everyone needs to hear, ‘job well done.’”