New Bedford Public ScHools Wraparound Services Presents

By Daishaly Rodriguez

In honor of Black History Month, New Bedford Public Schools gathered the community to hear stories of New Bedford locals who are exhibiting Black Excellence. The free event, hosted by NBPS Wraparound Services, featured a mini vendor market to give guests a way to meet Black-owned businesses. Walking into the Black Excellence Celebration held at Keith Middle School I felt a sense of belonging and celebration even before the event started. I heard a symphony of conversations flowing through the entire auditorium from students and their families, vendors, and supporters. Vendors were setting up their products like art in a museum, ready to greet their customers with warm smiles. Guests were enjoying the photo backdrop provided by Take 2wo Selfie. 

Councilor at Large, Shane Burgo, began the program with an impressive rendition of the Black National Anthem. Kicking off the panel was emcee Charlie Perry, followed by panelists, DJ Fresco, Caliph, Wilson Mascarenhas, Melissa Costa, Shianne Costa and Michael Monteiro, all of New Bedford. Caliph shared a special live performance for the audience. Each spoke about their evolution from childhood to their current life. Panelist Michael Monterio shared that the biggest obstacle for him in achieving his dreams was doubt from others because of the competitive field of entertainment. Other panelists agreed, and spoke about the lack of resources and representation around them. Melissa Costa shared that she didn't see anyone who looked like her in roles of power throughout her time in the education system. “Representation!” Caliph especially spoke about the fact that he didn't have the opportunity to attend college due to his citizenship and how that impacted his Black Excellence journey. 

Panelists at the NBPS Wraparound Services event on February 16, 2023.

Photo by Illuminatus Studios

At the end of the program, people began to slowly trickle into the hallway where vendors stood ready to share their products. Businesses included; Buy Black NB, Kinks Haircare, Anika Tyshia Skincare, NAACP Youth Group, PMG Beauty, Abstrakt Entertainment, & La Soul Renaissance.

Vendors at the NBPS Wraparound Services event on February 16, 2023.

Photo by Illuminatus Studios

Raybryana Dasher, owner of Kinks Hair Care, shared her experience of growing up without representation of natural, afro-textured hair and how that led her to hide her own tresses. Through self-work and building self-connection, she began to wear her hair naturally.  But, she couldn't find products for her hair type. As a result, Raybryana decided to create her own product. Raybryana created her own path toward Black Excellence by solving a problem she faced. Another vendor named Erik Andrade, owner of La Soul Renaissance, believes it's especially important to find ways to preserve culture throughout the rise of gentrification. He works to preserve cultural memory through different clothing and jewelry he sells. With their businesses, vendors have brought the representation they have never had before to better the overall community. Many vendors found value in attending this event and others like it, where they can share their business because it “feels good to express who they are,” said Anika James, owner of Anika Tyshia Skincare. Buy Black NB hosts year-round events and programming like their pop-up vendor markets with sign-up on their website BuyBlackNB.com.

Raybrana Dasher, owner of Kinks Haircare greets customers at the NBPS Wraparound Services event on February 16, 2023.

Photo by: Illuminatus Studios

The definition of Black Excellence is not linear. I define Black Excellence as embracing who you are when growing and working towards greatness. Caliph believes Black Excellence is, “Knowing your identity and wearing that like a badge in a world that doesn't accept you for who you are.” To Michael Monterio, “it's not a color. It’s not a way of dress. It’s a vibe.” On this evening at Keith Middle School, everyone had a different story and definition of what Black Excellence is to them. What is Black Excellence to you?

Customers shopping at the PMG Beauty table at the NBPS Wraparound Services event on February 16, 2023.

Photo by Illuminatus Studios