A Celebration of Black History Month

On Friday, February 23, students from SURE (Students United for Racial Equity) presented a powerful and informative Celebration of Black History Month.

 

The program began with an introduction by heads of SURE Lionel Louis ‘18, Gigi Speer ’18, and Elena Brennan ’20, who spoke about the fathers of Black History Month, Carter G. Woodson and Jesse E. Moorland. They then introduced Mike Lazarre ’18 who sang “Oh Freedom” by Aaron Neville. Jasmine Simmons ’21 and Kaila Spearman ’21 then spoke about black athletes Tommie Smith, John Carlos and Colin Kaepernick, who used their roles in the athletic arena to make protest for the American Civil Rights movement. Kiarra Lavache ’18 then presented a beautiful dance performance to Nina Simone’s “Four Women.”

 

Hannah Szabo ’21 and Ella Zuse ’21 then spoke about influential black figures in entertainment, including Nichelle Nichols, who played Lieutenant Uhura on Star Trek, and the TV show Black-ish and movies like Get Out and Black Panther that address issues of discrimination.

 

Students Zaryah Gordon ’19 and Victoria Aromolaran ’20 then sang an a cappella version of “People Get Ready” by Curtis Mayfield. Lizabeth Bamgboye ’20 and Ranaese Brown ’21 then shared the story of Claudette Colvin, the first black teenager to refuse to give up her seat on a bus before Rosa Parks. The final performance of the celebration came from Rehab Senanu ’20, who performed “A Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke.

 

Thank you to the members of SURE and Ms. Friedman, Ms. Harper and Ms. Schroth for presenting a moving celebration of Black History Month. Please see video of the entire assembly below, as well as clips of the vocal and dance performances.