On Feb. 6, the Black Student Union (BSU) transformed the auditorium into a celebration of culture, creativity and community with its Black History Month Exhibition, a showcase divided into 10 distinct “Chapters of Black Excellence.”
The event, which returned after a two-year hiatus, featured a variety of performances including singing, theater and spoken word. During intermission, attendees explored an art exhibition gala featuring student-created pieces honoring Black history and culture.
For BSU president and senior Chelby Edwards, bringing the showcase back was both challenging and deeply rewarding.
“It’s been like two years since we had it, so it was a lot to put together,” Edwards said. “But it was super worth it. We gathered people from different groups, had theater students sing for Black History Month, had the help of the African Student Association and the Classics also joined and we all sang a song at the end.”
Although the event was free, Edwards said the turnout exceeded expectations, with families and community members filling the seats.
“It was important just to showcase our history and make people feel included,” she said. “It also helped expand our club and strengthen the Black student union at the school.”
Edwards herself performed a solo to “As” by Stevie Wonder, closing the showcase on a high note.
“It’s basically about love and how no matter what, you’re always going to love that person or just life in general,” Edwards said. “Stevie Wonder is one of the greats in African-American culture, so it felt like a nice way to end the showcase. It made us all feel happy inside.”
The evening wasn’t limited to traditional stage performances. Interactive segments such as “Finish the Lyrics” brought the audience into the program, encouraging participation and laughter.
“I think it’s important to bring the audience alive,” Edwards said. “Sometimes at showcases, people just sit there watching. But interactive segments help people participate and enjoy the moment. A lot of people loved it.”
The art exhibition also provided students with another creative outlet. Edwards collaborated with the art club to display paintings and visual pieces, giving young artists the opportunity to share their work and connect with the community.
Senior Noah Johnson was one of the featured performers, singing “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole as part of the chapter titled “Timeless Soul.”
“My friend Alexis Williams asked me if I wanted to be part of it,” Johnson said. “I’m not actually in the club, but I like to sing and perform, so I decided to do it.”
Johnson said he chose the song because of its emotional depth and enduring legacy.
“It’s simple, but you can put a lot of emotion into it,” he said. “Nat King Cole’s songs transcend time. Even decades later, they’re still being listened to. He’s timeless.”
For Johnson, the performance was also a personal milestone.
“It was cool to interact with people I don’t usually interact with,” he said. “And singing on stage was really fun.”
Senior Kendall Jackson, who served as the event’s emcee, said the chapters were carefully curated through auditions to ensure variety and creative expression.
“We didn’t want every act to be the same,” Jackson said. “We gave performers creative freedom, so they could pick what they wanted to perform.”
When asked about a standout moment, Jackson pointed to Johnson’s performance.
“I know Noah, he’s usually quiet,” Jackson said. “So seeing him get up and sing in front of a crowd took a lot of courage. He did amazing. That just shows Black excellence exists everywhere, even if you don’t see it on the outside.”
Beyond entertainment, the showcase carried a broader message about unity and resilience.
“I think it speaks volumes,” Edwards said. “No matter what’s going on in the world, we’re still going to shine. You can’t put us down. At the end of the show, we sang ‘We Are One.’ It proves that no matter your skin color or where you come from, we’re all here and we’re family.”
Through music, art and storytelling, the Black History Month Exhibition not only celebrated the past but also highlighted the talent and strength within the school community today, a reminder that Black excellence is not confined to history, but alive in every chapter still being written.
