Edmonton students mark Black History Month with marimba, cultural performances

Members of the Izwi Lethu Arts Society perform Zimbabwean-style marimba at S. Bruce Smith School in Edmonton on Feb. 18, 2026. (Galen McDougall/CTV News Edmonton)

Students at a West Edmonton junior high school got a firsthand traditional experience for Black History Month on Wednesday which featured music, dance and cultural education.

Through programming in partnership with the Africa Centre, performers with the Izwi Lethu Arts Society came to S. Bruce Smith School to put on a special Zimbabwean-style marimba performance.

“Today it’s all about honouring the excellence of Black people,” said Africa Centre youth programs manager Tawa Nzekwu. “It’s all about honouring Black excellence in our community and engaging youth in our community, teaching them about Black history.”

The Africa Centre is an Edmonton-based non-profit and operates a number of youth and adult programs in the city year-round, in the summer and for Black History Month specifically.

On Sunday, the organization will host its Black Brilliance Youth Chess and STEM Challenge for youth ages seven to 17 looking for a day of “strategy and innovation.”

It also offers free marimba workshops for all ages every Saturday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. until the end of the month.

“It’s very important to get involved, not just Black kids … because you’re not just educating them, you’re letting them feel what it feels like to be in those spaces,” Nzeku added.

“Being Black doesn’t stop at Black History Month. It extends beyond.”

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Galen McDougall