Montrealer inspiring youth through Black History Month school tour
Posted February 8, 2024 12:54 pm.
Last Updated February 8, 2024 6:50 pm.
The Youth Star Foundation’s Black History Month school tour is back on the road in Montreal with media personality, Malik Shaheed.
Over 20 schools are lined up for his 2024 visits where the presentation allows students to better understand the resilience, achievements and contribution’s of the Black community — notably, Montreal’s Little Burgundy where Shaheed grew up.
“It inspires kids,” said Shaheed. “I see that it changes them.”
“I see that it educates them.”
The youth advocate and entrepreneur is using his knowledge to motivate and inspire — showing teens how to be great future leaders.
The tour’s stop on Thursday: Loyola High School.
“I like to have really engaging conversations with the kids,” said Shaheed. “It’s very conversational and I find it connects with the kids.”
Shaheed highlighted Little Burgundy.
“Little Burgundy was very key in terms of inspiring,” he said. “And helping out Black Montrealers across Montreal.”
“Malik really helped people get a better understanding of Black culture, as well as even Little Burgundy,” said Quincy Reid, secondary four student from Loyola High School. “I’ve had family that’s grown up there, I’ve been raised there.”
“Seeing Malik put Little Burgundy on the map in a sort of way,” he added. “Was really inspiring to me.”
“I really think it’s important for our future,” explained Thomas Béliveau, secondary five Loyola High School student. “I think that if we want to be a cooperative society, we have to know what mistakes have been made in the past, what to fix for the future.
“It all helps to build unity between everybody.”
“He really showed me stuff, and I’m sure many students, stuff we didn’t know,” added Philip Chehade, a secondary five student.
“Such as racism that was present right here in the city.”
Founded in 2008, the Youth Star Foundation’s goal is to motivate youth and convey positive learning messages that foster life skills and healthy living habits.
“They come to me after and really say thank you,” said Shaheed.
The secret ingredient to making the Black History Month school tour magical and impactful, Shaheed says is music.
Allowing the audience to listen, learn and participate.
“I’d just like to say that it’s very important for people to take the time to learn about Black history this month,” said Shaheed. “But more importantly, know about your history.”
“It’s going to make you a better person.”
