CMHS celebrates Black History Month with memorable night

By Sydney Olden

Editor in Chief

On Feb. 26, the students observed Black History Month with a colorful and entertaining program that celebrated Black culture through music, dance, fashion, and drama in the CMHS auditorium. The program was intended to recognize significant historical figures and events, promoting greater awareness and appreciation among the participants and audience.

The jazz band performed at the Black History Month night on Feb. 26.

“We all sounded good as individuals, but we could have sounded even better with more practice,” senior Diamond Cole said. Diamond was clearly eager to take part in other activities at the program if given the chance, showing her commitment to recognizing Black history through music and performance.

The evening opened with Terrell Henderson and Kimora Darby kicking off the show and getting the audience excited from the very start. Next, the CMHS choir took the stage to perform “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” also known as the Black national anthem. While they performed well, Diamond noted that they could have sounded even better with more practice, emphasizing the value of preparation when working together as a group.

The event proceeded with an engaging jazz band, which held the audience’s interest, and then a fashion show with clothes that represented Black culture. A motivational short play by the CMHS Drama Club, entitled “The Past is the Present,” depicted the lives of civil rights activists John Lewis and Ezell, making history come alive and highlighting the struggles that still exist today.

“I danced to celebrate African heritage. The audience was receptive, and I was satisfied with how everything came together,” senior Melissa Powell, a dancer participating in the event said.  

She proposed that in future performances, the event could include more traditional dances or information about their significance to educate the audience.

Throughout the night, performances reflected the development of music from jazz and blues to modern hip-hop. The musical development ended with a song performance by Elise Porter and Kamari Brock, singing “Last Time I Seen the Sun,” which gave the event a soulful feel. The night ended with a touching performance by the choir singing “When the Saints Go Marching In,” and an original poem called “Code Switch,” written and performed by Tyler Fears.

The Black History Month celebration was a memorable night that celebrated the talents and heritage of the students. The event was successful in educating and inspiring the audience, leaving a lasting impression of unity, pride, and the significance of remembering history.