Each year, WS continues their traditional assembly, led by the Black Student Union (BSU). Not only does the Black History Month Assembly continue to bring music, fashion, and empowering stories together, but it also allows the audience to feel pride and see how beautiful Black culture has grown.
Behind the scenes, rehearsals involve organizing performances, selecting music, and bringing together different groups before everything is combined in the auditorium. Students get into segments so that each performance sends a different meaning with creativity and collaboration.
“I just enjoy them being on one accord and creative minds together, to come up with such a special assembly,” said Coach Nehemiah Jones, BSU’s sponsor, who also described Black History Month as representing “pride and sense of self.”
The event blends celebration with education, providing students the space to highlight culture in creative yet meaningful ways. Performances not only entertain the audience, but also share important stories and experiences.
“It is meant to celebrate and commemorate Black History Month in a fun way while also educating WS students about different aspects of Black culture,” said officer Michelle Armah.
From original poetry to skits, to a student-run fashion show and Family Feud, the assembly highlights student talent while also encouraging real conversations. This year’s performances went beyond entertainment and displayed important topics that are often overlooked.
Sophomore Blen Debass, who performed her own poem, expressed that her poem focused on how discrimination can be labeled as “preference,” and how excluding an entire race has been normalized.
“My favorite part of the Black History Month assembly this year was performing the poem. I got to use a lot of creativity while writing it, and sharing culture through poetry is something I’ve always loved doing,” said Debass.
BSU believes that history itself brings pride, seeing significant figures in Black history continue to rise and carrying the legacy forward.
“Black history means like pride and like a sense of self, having a strong sense of self is huge,” said Jones.
For many students involved, the assembly is also a way to share culture with the rest of the school.
Armah emphasized that the Black History Month Assembly gives students an opportunity to highlight the beauty of Black culture, and show how it has influenced music, fashion, and everyday life.
Faculty members recognized the joy they see in African Americans finding confidence in their skin and representing their beauty.
“Black hair and skin tone [are beautiful],” said Monica Haynes, BSU’s support advisor. “[I like it when they are] comfortable with who they are versus trying to look like somebody they’re not.”
Haynes explains that the assembly reminds people of where progress began and why remembering the past still matters today.
For many Spartans, the assembly is more than just performances. It is a moment to reflect, learn, and celebrate progress together while recognizing the lasting impact of Black culture and history.
