Unity Through Diversity: Black History Month Assembly

In recognition of Black History Month, the St. Sebastian's Community gathered in Ward Hall for the annual Black History Month Assembly, "Unity Through Diversity," on Monday, February 28. The gathering was filled with powerful words and music.

The assembly began with a welcome from Men with Positive Attitudes President Gary McCall '22 and an opening prayer from Fr. John Arens. Students recited poems written by famous African American poets, including "Black Is Beautiful," by Sharon D. Brown-Rogers and "New Day's Lyric," by Amanda Gorman. The program was further enriched by the Dana Hall Gospel Choir, led by Mr. David Coleman, who sang several songs, including "Victory," by David Coleman and "There’s A Lifting," by Israel Houghton.

A video was shown about Mr. Willie Eldon O' Ree, the first Black player in the National Hockey League who was a Boston Bruins winger. In the video, O' Ree talked about how he faced racial struggles during his career and persevered.

Jayden Grier '22 then introduced his father, Mr. Michael Grier '93, the first Black player, both born and trained in the United States, to play in the NHL. Mr. Grier talked about his upbringing and how he received racial adversities like name-calling when he was just a young child playing hockey. He thanked his parents for sending him to St. Sebastian's and discussed how the School changed the course of his life. He then spoke about his successes playing for Boston University and in the NHL for the Edmonton Oilers, Washington Capitals, Buffalo Sabres and the San Jose Sharks. He told the Arrows "Challenge yourself to do better." Mr. Grier recently helped to coach St. Sebastian's varsity hockey team for several years and currently works for the New York Rangers as Hockey Operations Advisor. 

Thank you to Mr. Meyer Chambers and the members of Men with Positive Attitudes and to the Dana Hall Gospel Choir for being a part of our Black History Month Assembly. And a special thank you to Mr. Grier for sharing his story with us.