A program to commemorate African-American history month, “America’s Voice of Hope,” will be presented jointly by the West Windsor-Plainsboro School district and the West Windsor-Plainsboro African-American Parent Support Group on Thursday, February 19, at 7:30 p.m. in High School South’s new auditorium.
“The program will showcase the renowned music program and the wonderful oratory gifts and talents of the district’s children in this historic year of the first elected African-American president of the United States of America, Barack Obama,” says Barbara Edmonds, president of the support group. “The goal of this year’s program is to bring a diverse student body in our school district together to celebrate the African-American experience and how it unites us all, and provide a context for hope using music, theater, art, and education.”
A presentation about Sojourner Truth, written by Heidi Watchin, a fourth grade teacher at Millstone River School, will be performed by her 25 students. “The play will share the courageous and impactful journey of Sojourner Truth, who moved from slavery to freedom, to speaking out for the rights of African-Americans and women,” says Watchin. “The presentation is the first stop for the Millstone River performers who will share Sojourner Truth’s remarkable story with the elementary school students.”
The High School South Lab and Studio Jazz bands will provide music under the direction of band director Tony Pappalardo. “We are excited to also pay tribute to the contributions African-Americans have made in creating the rich and diverse voice that jazz represents in our nation,” says Pappalardo.
Musicians from High School South orchestra’s program will also perform. “We look forward to sharing with the community how classical music also plays a critical part of the African-American tradition,” says Jean Mauro, the orchestra director. “We hope to use this program as a way to expand our outreach into the community to get more African-American children to participate in the WW-P school district orchestra program.”
An informational resource and cultural fair will take place both prior to and shortly after the program in the lobby of the new auditorium. Resources include governmental programs, educational tools, as well as African-American literature, art, and music.
The program is free and open to the public. For more information contact the WW-P African-American Parent Support Group by E-mail at aapsg2007@aol.com.
African American History Month Program, West Windsor-Plainsboro African American Parent Support Group, High School South, West Windsor. Thursday, February 19, 7:30 p.m.
