'Black success': Melisizwe Brothers play Edmonton school tour for Black History Month
In February, some Edmonton students will get up close and personal with a group of famous brothers who aren't much older than them.
Marc, Seth and Zacary James are the Melisizwe Brothers, and they performed at Jasper Place High School on Friday as part of Edmonton Public School Black History Month celebrations.
"Because we have such a diverse population here at Jasper Place, it's really important for kids to see themselves represented," said teacher Maxine Hackett. "We are trying to showcase our history and acknowledge history and Black culture while also focusing on celebration and joy and Black success."
The brothers rose to success after debuting on YouTube in 2016, and they have since performed at Times Square in New York, The Apollo Theatre in NYC and on the Today Show.
Nnenna Akpulona, a Grade 12 student, is familiar with the group and was excited to hear they were coming to her school.
"I'm just excited for people to see Black talent and the Melisizwe Brothers, they're just good," she said. "I've seen them on TV, America's Got Talent, Ellen DeGeneres. These brothers are just phenomenal.
"They're a good example of what you can do if you just put your mind to it."
The concert is one of six being organized by the Africa Centre for high schools in Edmonton to promote culture, heritage and mentorship throughout February.
"The key message for this is basically to amplify the talent that we have within our backyard," said Africa Centre executive director Sharif Maji. "A good example that I always use is Alphonso Davies. Alphonso Davies is from Edmonton, but now he's a global star.
"It's showing our diversity and our strength and the good things we have in our community."
Friday's performance included a presentation by the brothers and a chance for students to speak with them and ask questions before the show.
"It's very special for us, getting to partner with Africa Centre and for Black History Month especially," said Seth. "It's very important that we get to talk to a lot of the high school kids about the importance of education, refining your skills, practising your skills."
Sharing their music with other kids is important to the brothers and in 2018 they founded the TMB Gold Mind Music Program, which offers underprivileged youth access to instruments, music workshops and mentorship.
Grade 12 student Eric Calhoun said the brothers are an example of Black excellence, and he would like to see more events and cultural showcases throughout the year.
"I fetl like these types of events can develop a sense of belonging, a sense of community in school," Calhoun said. "The more types of events we have also spread awareness of why these types of things are important for the school."
More information on the Musical School Tour and other Black History Month events being organized by the Africa Centre can be found on the organization's website.
The Melisizwe Brothers are performing at the Winspear Centre on June 23.
With files from CTV News Edmonton's Nahreman Issa and Galen McDougall
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
McGill University seeks emergency injunction to dismantle pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
U.S. says Israel's use of U.S. arms likely violated international law, but evidence is incomplete
The Biden administration said Israel's use of U.S.-provided weapons in Gaza likely violated international humanitarian law but wartime conditions prevented U.S. officials from determining that for certain in specific airstrikes.
Barron Trump declines to serve as an RNC delegate
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
Mother assaulted by stranger while breastfeeding baby in her car: Vancouver police
A person was arrested in East Vancouver Thursday after allegedly entering a car while a mother was breastfeeding her four-month-old boy.
'We have laws': Premier Smith says police action justified in Calgary
The actions, including the decision to use non-lethal force, to disperse pro-Palestinian protesters from the University of Calgary campus were justified, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Friday.
'State or state-sponsored actor' believed to be behind B.C. government hacks
The head of British Columbia’s civil service has revealed that a “state or state-sponsored actor” is behind multiple cyber-security incidents against provincial government networks.