Black History Month was observed in all three Westerville high schools during February, when each building engaged in a number of activities designed to celebrate and enlighten. Black History Month, or National African American History Month, is an annual celebration of achievements by black Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of African Americans in U.S. history. The event grew out of “Negro History Week,” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating black history.
Each year Westerville Central High School hosts a series of Black History Month assemblies to educate and inspire students and community members. The program is created through a collaborative effort of students, staff, and community members and is designed to celebrate the role of African Americans in U.S. history. This year’s theme was Social Justice. Teacher Kyle King served as staff liaison for the program.
The annual Black History Month assembly at Westerville South included dancing, musical selections and speeches that embodied the celebration of the culture. The show was centered on lessons of self-love, achieving success through hardship and appreciating the cultural roots and black identity. The celebration enlightened many about the success and accomplishments of artists, dancers, athletes and musicians such as Meta Vaux Warrick Fuller, Louis Armstrong and Ibtihaj Muhammad. Many others were also highlighted during the program as the students brought love and light to the stage. Educator Briana Walker organized the event.
The Westerville North High School community gathered on Tuesday evening, February 26, to celebrate Black History Month. The theme for this year’s celebration was Power to the People, with a special emphasis on the need for unity. The program, entirely created by students, combined singing, authentic dance, spoken word performances, video presentations, and a play focusing on the positive contributions of the Black Panthers. The night wrapped up with a statement of unity from the whole cast, urging the audience to love each other, support one another, and stand together as Warriors, as a community, and as a nation. Teacher Damon Mollenkopf served as advisor.