Seamus O'Connor '16 (left) and Ethan Richardson '16 (right)
with noted Malian musician Sidy Maiga at 2016 Francophonie Day
On Friday, April 1, 56 French language students and their teachers, Mrs. O'Connor and Ms. Brzys, spent the day in Providence, along with nearly 2,000 other students from across New England, participating in La Grande Fête de la Francophonie, an event celebrating Francophobie Month organized by the Consulate General of France in Boston.
Two students from each school led a procession of flags from Francophone countries and held signs with a quote promoting peace, hope and cultural awareness. Sixth Formers Ethan Richardson and Seamus O'Connor carried the flag for Portsmouth Abbey. Their sign read, "L'espoir d'une fraternité dans le respect mutuel et le dialogue des cultures," or, "Hope for a brotherhood of mutual respect and a dialogue of cultures." (Léopold Sédar Senghor)
Attendees heard speeches by Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza, U.S. Congressman Jim Langevin, and the three consul generals of France, Haiti, Canada in addition to the Québec Delegate.
Students were later entertained by musicians and dancers from French nations. Each class had been asked to prepare ahead of time to sing two francophone songs. A chorus of 2,000 voices sang "On Ecrit sur les Murs," by Kids United. A Canadian band, le Groupe Swing, then plaed a mix of traditional, rock and techno music, and the crowd joined them in singing "C Okay." Festivities continued with Malian master percussionist Sidy Maiga and his group, AfriManding, which kept the crowd dancing, singing and stomping to the beat of their drums and lively music. Several short French films played before and during the program.
This was the first time Portsmouth Abbey had participated in Francophonie Day, and a great time was had by all!
View photo gallery, with thanks to photographers Stephen Ma and Mrs. Michelle O'Connor.