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It was an unusual start to the day for a group of Dublin students at Baldoyle.
Their teachers told them to get to Pobalscoil Neasáin early to receive a “special gift.”
They had no idea that British rapper Stormzy had recorded a special video message to acknowledge their efforts to raise awareness of the Black Lives Matter Movement.
As they gathered to watch the video, Stormzy appeared on the screen and the room fell silent.
“Yo, what’s going on people? It’s Stormzy here sending love to everyone at Pobalscoil Neasáin,” said the artist.
“If I mispronounce it and you guys are laughing at me, please stop,” he told the students, many of whom stared at the screen in disbelief.
“I think it’s important for you to understand how powerful you are,” the rapper said in a passionate speech on the occasion of the release of his new single ‘Superheroes’.
The Leaving Certificate students at Baldoyle were the first in the country to see the new animated video.
He paid tribute to actor Chadwick Boseman, who died at age 43 last month. It also shows grime star Dave leading masked protesters at a Black Lives Matter rally, and a girl playing soccer with a jersey with Manchester United striker Rashford’s name on the back.
The video premiered exclusively in schools in Ireland and the UK.
The North Dublin High School was chosen by Stormzy after a march organized by the students caught their attention on social media.
Rachelle Biayi, 17, hosted the event at Baldoyle in June. It was at the height of the global Black Lives Matter protests in response to the murder of American George Floyd.
Rachelle wanted to highlight the discrimination faced by young blacks in Ireland. “It is not intense racism, it is more casual; sarcastic comments and racial slurs,” Rachelle told RTÉ News.
“They say something they don’t even realize [causes offence]. It’s just not what you’re supposed to say to someone, and it’s dehumanizing at times. And that is the message that we are trying to send with the march, to educate people, “said Ms Biayi.
Stormzy’s personal message to the school meant a lot to both staff and students.
Tmoni Nolan, 18, was “excited” after watching the video. “I love Stormzy. I can’t even describe how I feel right now, it’s so overwhelming,” he said. Tmoni described seeing Stormzy’s message to the students as an “incredible experience” and said the grime artist struck a chord with many of the students who have had “ups and downs in their lives.”
There are more than 700 students enrolled in the coeducational high school and the rappers’ words of encouragement came at just the right time.
“For the children going back to school at this time it has been difficult, everyone is in moderation,” director Pat Mc Kenna told RTÉ News.
Teachers said Stormzy’s video has raised morale. ” It will lift your spirits. The message he sent is that you are all superheroes and I think that is a very important message for them, “said Mc Kenna.
The rapper’s call for empowerment resonated with many of the Dublin students. Sophie Kelly watched the video along with several of her classmates.
“I have a lot of black friends and I never want them to feel uncomfortable,” he said.
“I think it is very important that we know what is making someone uncomfortable so that we can be aware and do our best to support them,” added Ms. Kelly.
Stormzy ended her message by encouraging young people around the world to never abandon their dreams.
“Regardless of the color of your skin, regardless of where you come from, regardless of your religion, regardless of whatever you feel is holding you back, you are a superhero,” he said. “So I wanted to make this video to inspire them, to realize that the sky is the limit.”
Stormzy’s words of encouragement left everyone in Pobalscoil Neasáin beaming from ear to ear.
Baldoyle students said that Stormzy has the power to “change lives” and make a real difference. It is something they hope to emulate as we begin a new chapter in their young lives.
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