McConnell Library celebrates African Heritage Month with songs, stories and dance

The McConnell Branch of the Cape Breton Regional Library, Falmouth Street, Sydney, celebrates African Heritage Month with two free events.
 
On Friday, February 18, 7 pm to 8 pm, author Chantal Reid-Demeter and Rocky the Pug drop in to share a “pawtastic” evening with young readers as they read from Rocky Meets Barack and Rocky Gives Back. The Northside Dance Senior Class will also perform three African inspired dances.
 
Reid-Demeter, a graduate of Mount Saint Vincent University and Cape Breton University, has written and self-published nine books to date. Her books touch on many important topics such as: race, heritage, culture, pride, self-esteem, self-confidence, acceptance, rules and responsibilities and lastly imagination.
 
On Tuesday, February 22, 7 pm to 9 pm, The Inspirational Singers, under the direction of Eddie Parris, will perform an evening of gospel hymns and spirituals.
 
The Inspirational Singers have been performing together for more than a decade. The fifteen members of the group come from all parts of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.
 
Parris says, based on past performances at the McConnell, there should be close to a packed house. He also looks forward to audience members singing along with their favourite songs.
 
Parris says the group has one school show confirmed; a marked drop in bookings from previous African Heritage Months when they would be “going double time”.
 
The Inspirational Singers will also perform at St. Philip’s African Orthodox Church, Hankard Street, in Whitney Pier, on Sunday, February 20, 2 pm.