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Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Music and dance highlight Black History Month celebrations on both campuses
Ransom Everglades celebrated Black History Month in February on both campuses with student reflections, special dance performances and traditional music. At the middle school, Faith Simmons ’29, Sydney Forrester ’29, Liv Brantley ’29 and Gillian Carvalho ’29 served as emcees for an event in the gymnasium that featured RE dance team members and the University of Miami Steppers. At the upper school, Black Students Association officers Mia Campbell '25 and Tariq Maduro '26 introduced a special dance performance, "Roots & Rhythms," by the Zest Collective and local choreographer Gentry Isaiah George, which followed a performance by the RE Jazz Band in the Lewis Family Auditorium.
"As within every ethnic, racial and cultural group, our history and traditions are varied and nuanced whether we speak directly of Africa or if we speak of South America, the Caribbean, Canada or the United States," Campbell said. "Today we are focusing on an aspect of our dance and music."
"Roots & Rhythms" highlighted a number of African-American artists and various musical genres. Before co-founding the Zest Collective in 2013, George attended public school in Miami and the Julliard School in New York City, and he earned aclaim while performing with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
"'Roots & Rhythms' celebrates the voices of Black musicians, blending biography, social history, music and choreography to celebrate the beauty and innovations of the African diaspora," Campbell said.
At the middle school, students gathered in the gymnasium for an eighth-grade dance performance to "Waka, Waka (This time for Africa)," a song that carries themes of perseverance and unity. Students also heard from the emcees, who spoke about Black innovators and achievements – as well as struggles.
"Black History Month in February highlights important stories and contributions, but Black history should be recognized all year long," Forrester said. "Learning about it promotes inclusivity, equality, and helps us understand different perspectives. By doing so, we each play a role in creating a fairer, more respectful society."
After the dance performances in the gymnasium, middle school students headed outside for arts and crafts, hair braiding, basketball and performances by a Junkanoo band, a stilt walker and drummer.
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"Roots & Rhythms" highlighted a number of African-American artists and various musical genres. Before co-founding the Zest Collective in 2013, George attended public school in Miami and the Julliard School in New York City, and he earned aclaim while performing with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
"'Roots & Rhythms' celebrates the voices of Black musicians, blending biography, social history, music and choreography to celebrate the beauty and innovations of the African diaspora," Campbell said.
At the middle school, students gathered in the gymnasium for an eighth-grade dance performance to "Waka, Waka (This time for Africa)," a song that carries themes of perseverance and unity. Students also heard from the emcees, who spoke about Black innovators and achievements – as well as struggles.
"Black History Month in February highlights important stories and contributions, but Black history should be recognized all year long," Forrester said. "Learning about it promotes inclusivity, equality, and helps us understand different perspectives. By doing so, we each play a role in creating a fairer, more respectful society."
After the dance performances in the gymnasium, middle school students headed outside for arts and crafts, hair braiding, basketball and performances by a Junkanoo band, a stilt walker and drummer.
Middle School
2045 South Bayshore Drive, Coconut Grove, FL 33133Phone: 305 250 6850
Upper School
3575 Main Highway, Coconut Grove, FL 33133Phone: 305 460 8800
Founded in 1903, Ransom Everglades School is a coeducational, college preparatory day school for grades 6 - 12 located on two campuses in Coconut Grove, Florida. Ransom Everglades School produces graduates who "believe that they are in the world not so much for what they can get out of it as for what they can put into it." The school provides rigorous college preparation that promotes the student's sense of identity, community, personal integrity and values for a productive and satisfying life, and prepares the student to lead and to contribute to society.