Combermere’s Culture Day celebrates heritage

By Michron Robinson

This year’s Culture Day, celebrated on Friday at the Combermere School in recognition of African Awareness Day, was marked as a major success.

Students spent the day playing indigenous Barbadian games such as rounders and there was also a fashion show, which was a major highlight of the morning.

Delivering the featured address was Head of the History Department Sophia Farley, who recalled that the Combermere School was always at the forefront in pushing black culture.

“Combermere has always been a school of firsts and inclusivity. From its inception, when it was created to educate the children of poor whites, to the subsequent inclusion of black boys and later girls at the sister school, which became Queen’s College, Combermere was and is a school of inclusivity,” she remarked.

Although the school focused on black culture today, Farley explained that they also value diversity by including the Muslim, Hindu and Chinese teachers from around the region.

“We believe we can share this day with all the cultures found at the school with no dilution of attention to the accomplishments of the descendants of our enslaved ancestors,” she added.

The history head said it’s important to emphasise respect for heritage where the names of ancestors are highlighted, to recognise that black pride, anti-racism, inclusivity and kindness are not mutually exclusive and that all students are able to express and showcase their culture.

Those students who spoke to Barbados TODAY said that they see clearly the importance of such a day. Senior Student Raphael Clarke said the day marked a significant cultural learning curve for many.

“It’s a day to get back in touch with your roots and your culture and explore different cultures other than the one you’re accustomed to. A lot of Bajans don’t even know where they come from or how it was back in the day. So this really is a good day for the school children to explore and learn about their own culture,” he said.

Six Form student Regina Broomes said she appreciated the awareness that Culture Day brought with it. “I think African Awareness Day is important because it helps to connect us to our history and makes us more aware of where we came from.”

Sociology and History teacher John Bannister hailed the school’s approach to inclusivity. “Whether it be history or sociology, we cover African Awareness all during the year and we decided to include all the different ethnicities,” he said.

(MR)