By Gabriella Dragone
Published February 27, 2023 at 2:38 PM
WOODLAND PARK, NJ - John P. Holland Charter School (JPHCS) celebrated Black History Month on Friday with a Hip Hop concert that explored the history of the art form since the 1980s through dance performances and visual arts. The 4th-Grade dance performance was led by Artist in Residence, Kimani Franklin, and supported by the school’s visual arts program and partnership with the Paterson Music Project. Together they put together a spectacular showcase, in conjunction with the art form's 50-year anniversary, that incorporated both fine and performing arts.
"I am extremely impressed with our students and how hard they worked,” Dr. Heru Keonte, Principal of Grades 3-8 said. “They not only learned about hip-hop as a historical art form but built greater confidence in their own abilities as young scholars and artists in the process.”
Representatives from Artists in Education (AIE) Grant Program, who funded the residency, were thrilled to see the performers in their culminating event.
“Congratulations to the entire team at John P. Holland Charter School and the teaching artist, Kimani Franklin, for a job well done,” Michael Roberson Reid AIE & APLI Manager said.
“It really was a true gift to witness all the talent showcased at J.P. Holland Charter School.” AIE Partner Cyndall Brice of Morris Arts said.
John P. Holland continues to build on its already strong programming with the help of community partners.
“We are grateful for the support offered by AIE,” Christina Scano, Founder and Leader Person for John P. Holland Charter School said. “Through this grant we were able to expand on our established visual arts program and deepen our commitment to the performing arts.”