What a delight it is to see “Blackness” in Glory 

On Friday February 23, 2024, the Black-Student-Union held its annual BSU showcase. These events showcased a surge of cultural ties stemming from cultural dances, emotion-packed poems along with an eruption of vibrant colors. In a month dedicated to recounting the events surrounding African American history and the evolution that has taken place, it’s through sharing these experiences and understanding them that the true Beauty of Black History can come to be appreciated. And P.S, from the outcome of Friday’s events, the declaration is written as clear as day: Live colorfully (A phrase coined by Trina Mahir-Nyawansa, a talented youth poet!)

To prepare for the showcase, BSU officer Sakheena DaRon stated, “It took us since winter break. My favorite part was decorating for it the day before and advertising it to students at lunch.” 

When asked about the impact this showcase will have on the community, Amiya Payne, co-president of BSU, shared, “I hope it will give people the confidence to go on stage and display how good they are and how proud they are of being Black. I have a hard time getting on stage–I hate it–but you know what, if it means strengthening our ideas and demonstrating how excellent Black people are, then it’s all worth it.” To illustrate this impact, a BSU member earlier described her gratuity at performing in front of such a large crowd. “I was very nervous, considering I have really bad stage-fright, but I went up there and got it over with, and I feel great.”

Thanks to BSU’s efforts, the talents and accomplishments of countless Black students and community members were highlighted on Friday night. According to an audience member, “The performers put a lot of time and passion into their performances and it shows their dedication as well as their self-appreciation.”

The program followed as such: 

• An opening performance by Jazz Ensemble 1 performing the song, Willowcrest by the Buddy Rich Big Band. 
• Followed by Black History Trivia MC’ed by Donovan Pope and Sakheena DaRon
• Next: The poem by Sharon D. Brown-Rodgers, Black is Beautiful performed by Jessica Powell. 
• Next: An interpretive dance performed by a member of ALATS Dance Group choreographed to the song “Hold On”.
• Next: The poem, And I still Rise by Maya Angelou, performed by Kemeelah Jackson 
• Next: The song,  “At Last” by Etta James performed by Amiya Payne
• Next; Black History Trivia Pt.2, MC’ed by Sania Jackson

• Brief intermission

• Next: If I Ain’t Got You by Alicia Keys performed by Racheal Olusesan
• Next: An interpretive dance “Black History” performed by ALATS Dance Group
• Next: Black History Trivia Pt.3, MC’ed by Trinity Poe, Kameelah Jackson and Sanai Jackson.
• Next: A duet performance by Gabriella Sewell and Favour Ubaka, performing Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou.
• Next: Black Excellence Awards presented by Ms. Bertola and Trina Mahir-Nyawansa
• Next: Killing Me Softly by Fugees, performed by Ude Etim
• Finish with: “Africa”, an interpretive dance performance performed by ALATS Dance

ALATS Dance Group performing “Africa”

Co-President Amiya Payne (left) and Officer Sakheena DaRon (Right)

Black Excellence Award for Academics

“Black History” performed by a member of ALATS Dance Group

Phenomenal Woman, read by Favour Ubaka and Gabby Sewell

Killing Me Softly by Ude Etim

Black Excellence Awards for Character