An Act of Sharing Heritage
Students celebrate black history in performance at a retirement facility
Moreno Valley Elementary students sing to residents at the Integrated Care Communities in Moreno Valley. The 26 students came to entertain and share some newly acquired knowledge about blacks in history.
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Sarah Martin, an Integrated Care Communities resident, watches the children's performance. Photos: Kurt Miller/The Press-Enterprise |
By Karie Allen/The Press-Enterprise
MORENO VALLEY - It took Haily Caparella Three weeks to memorize, but the words came out as if they were engraved in her heart.
"Out of the shacks of history's shame, Up from a past rooted in pain, I'll rise, I'll rise, I'll rise, yes I'll rise," Haily said as she recited a poem by Maya Angelou.
"I celebrate Black History Month because it is my heritage," the 10-year-old said. "I love to perform so I can share it with others,"
Haily was one of 26 students from Moreno Valley Elementary School who came to entertain and share some newly acquired knowledge about black people in history with the residents of Integrated Care Communities in Moreno Valley. They used poetry, song and dance.
After the performance, Dominique Magee, 10, said he felt that it was nice for the residents to see something fun, while at the same time he shared his pride in black history.
"When I'm out there I feel proud," Dominique said." All the stuff that black people have done has really made a difference in our lives today."
Not realizing it, his performance made a difference in some lives too.
"I loved it," said resident Ed Norte, 83. "I didn't realize there were so many things invented by black people, I was really surprised."
Norte wasn't the only one impressed with the students. Jeanine Nadeau, 71 said she appreciated the students coming out. She learned a little bit more about black history and was entertained at the same time. Overall she said it was a very nice performance.
"It was beautiful, they did a great job," added Johnnie Young. "It was so nice - I'd love to see them perform again."
The enthusiasm displayed by the residents made the students more excited as they sang and danced. Derron Woods, 10, said that he liked performing and he could tell that the residents were enjoying it too.
"They were kinda dancing a little," Derron said. "They were really getting into it."
"Residents that usually don't come out for this type of thing, came out," said Melinda Metoyer, and Integrated Care manager. "It was great to see the smiles on all their faces. Every resident loved it."
Metoyer said she is familiar with the Black History Month performance at Moreno Valley Elementary because her children have participated in past years. It was her idea to bring the group to the center.
"The program is great. I wanted to bring some of that to the residents here," Metoyer said. "Even though the whole group didn't come out, it still turned out fantastic."
The group consists of 100 students led by school librarian Deloris McDuffie. She said the students have been sacrificing lunch breaks and after-school time two days a week to get ready for a big performance on Feb. 28 at the school.
"These children are wonderful," McDuffie said. "They have worked really hard for this, I am really proud."
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