Saturday’s black history celebration at the Niagara Power Project was a unique way to educate those in attendance how far blacks have come.
In some cases without words.
A classical performance by young artists from Buffalo’s Muhammad School of Music was one way for a Niagara Falls resident to show her children how much they can accomplish.
“A lot of the time my kids take all that they have for granted,” said Lakea Strong, who attended the event with her five young children. “The performance is a way to show these guys that there are so many possibilities for them. Music is much more than rap videos and what they see on TV.”
The five young musicians from the school — established to spark musical interest among black and Latino children — used music as a way of educating the community that blacks have come a long way.
“I want my kids to realize how fortunate they are,” Strong said. “The presentation and the performance showed them the long road blacks took to get where they are today.”
That road also was shown during a presentation by Kevin Cottrell, project coordinator of the Northstar at the North End Project, entitled “From Bondage to Freedom.” It offered a rare look into the history of the Underground Railroad in the Niagara Falls community.
Cottrell depicted slavery from its inception in 14th century Europe to the preservation efforts of local advocates today. He outlined the local ties the greater Niagara region have to the Underground Railroad and how people like himself are working to make that information readily available.
“I want people to know that we have so much history here,” Cottrell said “We want there to be a marriage of all the attractions in this city and turn it into an economic gain for our community.”
Cottrell noted how important it is for young children to understand the history of not only the Underground Railroad, but the hundreds of years of slavery that preceded it.
The Northstar Project is currently working on turning the old Custom house on Whirlpool Street into an Underground Railroad interpretation center. They are also in the process of establishing Harriet Tubman Park, which would be located on Main Street but exit onto Whirlpool, just in front of the planned center.
“We are looking to educate people on the rich and expansive history of Niagara Falls, and the role that Underground Railroad has played,” Cottrell said. “We are very proud of what we are doing.”
Contact reporter Nick Mattera at 282-2311, ext.2251.
Local News
Related Photos
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in tune: Members of the Muhammad School of Music, directed by violinist Henri L. Muhammad, left, perform Saturday for guests at the Niagara Power Project during “Celebrate Black History.” At right are Amirah Muhammad, 8, and Marytess Wright, 9.
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