BOOK IN 3 EASY STEPS

1. Choose a program
2. Choose three dates that work best for you
3. Use Online Booking Form, email duane@staydriven.com, or call 416-910-3900

In addition to the programs below, I can tailor a custom performance to your needs; just let me know what you would like to address.

On Tuesday, February 13th, 2024, D.O. Gibson will host the third annual Black Canadian 365 conference for students across Canada. This year’s theme is “Songs of Freedom,” and D.O. will share stories that connect to music and freedom.

There are two scheduled events at 9:30 am EST and 1:00 pm EST. The presentation and content will be the same, providing two time options to make it more accessible for schools nationwide. Registering will grant you access to both events.

The one-hour presentation is suitable for all grades (k-12) and is an updated version of last year’s conference with additional content to ensure attendees feel engaged and may even want to book a follow-up.

Upon registration, you will have access to attend either or both events.

In “Songs of Freedom,” D.O. will narrate the story of Birchtown, an area in Nova Scotia where Black Canadians left for Sierra Leone, Africa. He will also discuss Bob Marley’s Nova Scotia connection that inspired one of his iconic songs. As always, D.O. will delve into how Black History Month was created in Canada and share the story of Viola Desmond.

In his trademark style, Gibson will seamlessly blend speaking and rap throughout the performance.

Anticipating an audience of over 50,000 students, Gibson will highlight the contributions of Black Canadians as part of Black History Month. The event will take place virtually on Zoom, allowing students to tune in from their classrooms across the country.

D.O. initiated Black 365 in 2021 and virtually performed at more than one hundred schools across Canada.

New this year: Black Canadian 365 will be FREE to those who purchase the conference. This includes a ten-part online course that can be completed in-class, covering various aspects of Black Canadian history

STANDARD PROGRAMS

1.  Black Canadian 365
Key focus: Character Education
Grades: K-12

Every February, we learn about Black History, but too often, we focus on the same things.

Knowing about historical and inspirational heroes such as Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks is essential. Still, we must dig deeper and learn more about passionate leaders from Canada.

Our Black History presentation specializes in Black Canadian History.  I talk about Viola Desmond, who stood up for her rights by sitting at a movie theatre in Nova Scotia.  Recently her image was added to the ten-dollar bill.  I talk about freedom fighter Josiah Henson – a slave that travelled the Underground Railroad for freedom in Canada, became a landowner and helped others free and empower other blacks.  The presentation is interactive, and I get students rapping along to a spiritual.  Finally, I call on volunteers to play a “name that tune” game to highlight black music contributions.

Have you previously booked Black Canadian 365?

Please note I also offer a follow-up Black Canadian History program.  If I have been at your school within the last two years, this is a great way to follow up the presentation and expand your student’s knowledge of Black Canadian History.

2.  Anti-Bullying
Key Focus:  Anti-Bullying, Self-esteem, Literacy
Grades: K-8 (H.O.L.L.A. program)
Grades: 7-12 (Defy the Odds)

H.O.L.L.A. is a one-hour anti-bullying assembly that combines speaking with live hip-hop performances to engage your students while delivering a reliable message. The acronym “H.O.L.L.A.” stands for: Help, Outlet, Lead, Leave, Assert – five strategies that can be used to combat bullying.  I talk about building self-esteem through finding an outlet and how you need to stand up to bullies.  The program is interactive, and I get all students involved through call-and-response rapping.

3.   In The Zone
Key focus: Leadership, Character Education, Social Media, Literacy and Goal setting
Grades: K – 12

In The Zone is an engaging one-hour assembly that combines live hip-hop performances with a focus on character education.  I talk about what it means to defy the odds to achieve your dream when faced with challenging obstacles.  I encourage youth to have role models and focus on improving by 1% daily to achieve their goals.   The presentation is interactive, as I perform spontaneous freestyle raps while also getting all of the students involved through call-and-response rapping.

4.  Still Driven
Key focus: Character Education, Media Literacy, Cyberbullying
Grades: K – 12

It has been a challenging couple of years as students and staff have dealt with COVID19.

Our new Still Driven program is meant to respond to those challenges and will motivate your students.

The program focuses on making informed decisions online – including social media – and presenting strategies to combat cyberbullying.

What Takes Place During An Hour-Long Seminar?

Here is a sample view of a performance

1-5 -> Rap performance

Acapella rap engages students (Acapella so that teachers can understand it as well!)

6 – 10 -> Introduction

D.O. talks about how he faced adversity and how he overcame obstacles to become a University graduate and Guinness World Record-setting rapper.

11 – 14 -> Video

Music video engages students.

15 – 29 -> First story

D.O. illustrates a lesson through a story, asking students what they would do in the situation and concluding with the lesson learned.

30 – 34 -> Freestyle Rap

D.O. asks students for topics to include in a freestyle rap.

35 – 44 -> Second story

D.O. talks about another lesson learned.

45 – 50 -> Rap performance

D.O. performs a song that requires students to rap with him.

50 – 59 -> Conclusion

Questions, and Prize giveaway.