February’s Cultural Collision

If one thing is for sure, it’s that LCCC is a place of acceptance. A community strengthened by diversity, uniqueness and inclusion. A space where all are welcome, always and forever. February was a month full of celebration and honour. With festivities, holidays and moments of critical thinking, it was a month to embrace festivities and celebrate humans across cultures. 

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Across our classrooms we saw Black History Month represented in many different ways. In the younger classrooms, teachers read picture books that told the real lived experiences of black people throughout history, such as Patrick Mahomes, Martin Luther King Jr, Mae Jamison and Rihanna. As well as fictional stories based on the reality that black have faced over time, like the book Jerk Chicken, telling the story of a multigenerational family’s love for Jamaica's most famous food. 

The children brought their understandings to life through various creative mediums, showing works of art that included the colours red, black, yellow and green to symbolize Pan-Africanism, liberation and cultural pride. Hand prints in various shades to represent unity, equality and respect among all races. Making music on a DIY steel drum to make noise and bring joy for Trinidadian heritage and culture. And after discussions led by their educators about famous black artists throughout history such as Lorna Simpson, Jean-Michel Basquiat and steel drum performers, the children were encouraged to create their own interpretations of these works of art and brought their vision to life. 

LUNAR NEW YEAR

Lunar New Year occurs on the second new moon following the winter solstice, making February 17th the day of celebration this year. With Year of the Fire Horse on a lot of people’s minds, our educators shared the significance of this symbolic animal and its energetic messaging through creative activities, playful performances and detailed imaginative play. 

We saw tactile creatives of both Fire Horses and the traditional Chinese Dragon, a delightful dragon dance led by LCCC director Anoush and a sensory imaginative learning scape including toy horses, natural wood and pretend fire to inspire both creativity and questions. 

RAMADAN 

Determined to begin by the sighting of the crescent moon in the night sky, Ramadan is observed in the Islamic religion as a time to draw closer to God. During these 30 days, many people fast, participate in prayer and often decorate with lights and lanterns. 

Our educators helped guide classrooms into Ramadan adjacent traditions through creative works such as star & moon making and lantern making. 

VALENTINES DAY & PINK SHIRT DAY

Similar colours, different approach, but in the end, the messaging that both of these days stand for, remains the same: spread kindness wherever you go, be the warmth you wish to see in the world and love yourself as well as those around you. 

With Black History Month starting at the top of the month and lasting all the way through, to Valentine’s Day on February 14th, Lunar New Year celebrated on February 17th as well as Ramadan starting on that same day, Chinese Heritage Month spread throughout the whole 28 days and finally tying things up with Pink Shirt Day on February 25th, it was a cultural collision of sorts. 

STAFF POTLUCK

In the middle of this cultural crossover month, our staff organized and led a centre wide potluck, open to any member of the LCCC staff who wanted to participate and celebrate. Taste of the Caribbean and Flavours of Asia was a delicious afternoon full of food dedicated to these two wonderful cultures, and moments of laughter and good cheer amongst everyone who was there to embrace both. From a lemonade station to meat dish motherload, our staff went above and beyond to ensure that both cultures were properly represented visually, flavourfully and with lots of heart.   

Week long celebrations combined with cultural recognitions. Moments to rejoice for good and moments to hold space for lived experiences of the past. Moments that overall remind us that we are all human, we are all equal and everyone deserves a seat at the table, no matter what food is being served.