Marymount Melanin
A Sisterhood of Empowerment, Leadership, and Black Brilliance
Marymount Melanin began in the simplest, yet most meaningful way, with a conversation.
Ms. Frometa sat down with a small group of students of colour and asked a question that would ultimately spark something transformational: What do you want to see celebrated at our school for Black History Month?
For years, Ms. Frometa had faithfully reminded her students of one belief she holds close to her heart: “Representation is key.” She knew that when young people see themselves reflected in leadership, culture, and celebration, something shifts. Confidence grows, belonging deepens, and possibilities expand.
The answers the students shared that day were honest, raw, and powerful.
They wanted more than a few bulletin boards placed around the school. They wanted to feel seen. They wanted to feel heard. They wanted to feel proud. Most importantly, they wanted a space where their identities, cultures, and voices were not only acknowledged, but celebrated.
From that conversation, Marymount Melanin was born.
What began as a small idea quickly grew into something far greater, a sisterhood. A space where students uplift one another, build confidence, and learn how to empower others. At its heart, Marymount Melanin is about leadership, belonging, and recognizing the strength that comes from community. Students learn that their voices matter, that their stories carry power, and that they have the ability to create change, both within the school and beyond it.
This Black History Month, the club demonstrated that leadership through action. Students organized a fundraiser supporting CAMFED (Campaign for Female Education), raising funds through bake sales and by selling boba in partnership with Presotea. Through this initiative, students experienced firsthand the importance of giving back, understanding that empowerment is not only about receiving support, it is about extending it to others around the world.
One of the most anticipated events of the year is the Marymount Melanin Assembly, a celebration of Black Brilliance. This year’s presentation was entirely student led, showcasing not only talent, but courage, knowledge, and leadership.
Students shared meaningful and thought-provoking insights into Black history, including the story of braids and their significance during slavery, highlighting themes of resilience, identity, resistance, and cultural strength. Poetry performed in French reflected both linguistic confidence and deep cultural pride. The room came alive through music, as songs by legendary artists such as Whitney Houston, Celia Cruz, The Jackson 5, Rihanna, and others were performed live, creating moments of joy, nostalgia, and connection across generations. Cultural dance performances electrified the audience, with students proudly wearing traditional attire that celebrated heritage, movement, and expression with confidence and pride.
Moments like these do more than entertain, they create leaders. They show students that they are capable of standing before others, sharing their stories, and inspiring change. They reinforce the belief that representation truly matters, that when students see themselves reflected, they begin to believe in what they can become.
Marymount Academy also looks forward each year to signature spring events hosted by Marymount Melanin, including Rep Your Roots and the beloved Food Fest, where cultures from around the world are celebrated through food, fashion, music, and storytelling. These events remind the entire school community that diversity is a gift, one that strengthens understanding, compassion, and unity.
For Ms. Frometa, one of the most rewarding parts of teaching is recognizing the gifts and talents within her students, encouraging them, and watching them shine. There is something profoundly powerful about witnessing confidence grow, seeing students step into leadership, discover their voices, and support one another through genuine sisterhood.
“It is truly powerful,” she reflects. “I thank God for the opportunity to witness Him at work through these students. The confidence, strength, and sisterhood that lives within this group is incredible.”
Marymount Melanin stands as living proof of Ms. Frometa’s belief that representation is key, because when students see themselves reflected, they begin to believe in themselves.
Marymount Melanin is more than a club.
It is a movement.
It is young women learning to lead, to uplift, and to celebrate who they are, boldly, confidently, and unapologetically.
And it all started with a conversation.
