Schools
Paul Robeson Celebration Set for April 9 at Peekskill High School
The event will commemorate the 120th birthday of Paul Robeson by presenting a free concert to the community.
On Monday, April 9, 2018, Peekskill High School and the Peekskill NAACP Civic Engagement Committee will commemorate the 120th birthday of singer, actor, scholar, linguist, political activist, orator and athlete Paul Robeson by presenting a free concert to the community from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the PHS Auditorium.
The event will featuring various musical numbers, student artwork and dramatic and dance performances, as Peekskill students reflect on the inspiration they have gained from the life and contributions of Robeson.
Dante Barry, co-founder and Executive Director of Million Hoodies Movement for Justice, a human rights organization working to build the next generation of leaders for an egalitarian society, will serve as the event's guest speaker.
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“This event is important to all of us and pushes Peekskill forward in terms of finding a sense of community and collective history," said Peekskill High School student Andrew Espinoza in anticipation of the event. "As a student, I hope that this will instill a sense of pride in my peers as a result of what Mr. Robeson did in his lifetime.”
This year, the Peekskill NAACP, on behalf of the Tomchin Family, will be awarding the Paul Robeson Scholarship in the amount of $10,000, given over four years to a 2018 Peekskill High School graduate.
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“The criteria for the scholarship recipient includes not only good grades, excellence in extracurricular and community service activities, but also a demonstration of ongoing commitment to raising awareness of the political, educational, social and economic equality of minority group citizens,” said Peekskill NAACP Civic Engagement co-chair Madeline Bass.
The scholarship recipient will be announced during the Robeson birthday commemoration concert on April 9, with the award being presented at the conclusion of the school year during the Peekskill High School Senior Awards at the Paramount Theater on June 20, 2018 at 6:30 p.m.
To RSVP to the Paul Robeson celebration and receive event updates, follow the Paul Robeson’s 120th Birthday listing on Facebook.
