Hornets Honor Black History Month with Wide Variety of Events

Doors along the first floor were decorated in honor of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary. *Photo: Binta Mbye*

By BINTA MBYE and JOSEPH JEAN

As we begin February, a month dedicated to celebrating the contributions of African-Americans, we are reminded of the people whose efforts have influenced our nation. Their legacies continue to grow not just in the pages of history but also in the hearts of each individual, inspired on a journey towards justice and equality.

Kicking off the first event of Black History Month at Midwood on February 8 was a game night including food and refreshments prepared by Ms. Marie Volcy, a history teacher, and the Black Heritage Alliance (BHA).

Dozens of students and teachers showed up to play Uno, Jenga, Connect Four, and more, starting at 3:30 p.m. in the cafeteria, where they also enjoyed chips, crackers, candy, and other snacks.

In honor of the Harlem Renaissance, a time of African-American music, dance, and art, as well as the 1970s rise of “African heritage in the home,” our school similarly embraced the spirit of cultural celebration with a door decorating contest that lasted throughout February.

The theme was hip-hop, which is more than just a genre in Black history but a form of street poetry, where each rhyming phrase serves as a rising cry and each beat a symbol of resilience. In honor of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary this year, doors throughout the first floor were decorated by various clubs, showcasing legends such as Biggie Smalls, who graced the entrance to the principal’s office.

Professional Night, on February 16, featured a variety of speakers including lawyers, business owners, chiefs of staff, and engineers, who talked about their career journeys and the hardships they overcame along the way. Many were alumni.

Aundree Booker, a police captain, said, “I get to help a lot of people that look like me in the community. No two days are the same for me. Every day is different.”

The speakers gave students tips: take your time, pursue what you enjoy learning more about, and have fun.

Leontay Payne ‘25 said, “I’m inspired by the diverse paths Midwood grads have taken, and I hope I can follow in their footsteps.”

“Taking it slow, I dream of owning my own business, influenced by the speakers I heard today,” said Dakarai Lawrence '24.

The school’s Black History Month events concluded March 7 with an inspiring Gallery Night that celebrated creativity and heritage. It started off with an amazing show from the step team, who were dressed in classic 1990s street clothes such as flannels and headties.

The show also included student poetry. Kevin Edward ‘25 read his piece “DMX: The Industry,” which gives “insight into the truth behind the rap industry,” he said.

And with that, Midwood wrapped up a month of vibrant celebrations of African American culture that also featured daily inspirational quotes from Black leaders during the morning announcements. Just as the echoes of hip-hop beats and the rhythms of step dances stay in our minds, may the stories shared, the lessons learned, and the dreams we dreamed linger with us at Midwood.