Moving the world, celebrating Black creativity

Too often the contributions of the Black community to American culture are erased from history books, dismissed by pseudo-historians, and forgotten by the very people who indulge in them.

This February, Lawrence High School celebrated Black History Month like never before. The African American Club worked diligently to educate high schoolers on the impact of Black culture and the importance of its recognition. 

Club president, Kayla Edwards, worked with fellow student Xian Scott to help ensure that the school celebrated Black excellence to the fullest. Edwards prepared announcements detailing the lives and achievements of Black figures such as Madam C.J. Walker, Michael Jackson and Adam Powell.

For 28 days in a row, Edwards took the mic and read inspiring summaries describing the significance of these trailblazers and their accomplishments.

Although most high schoolers tend to tune out most of what is said over the loudspeaker, Edwards’ announcements were heard attentively as students learned about black contribution and innovation outside of the classroom.

As a freshman, Edwards dreamed of producing a showcase of Black American dance and music that would be presented to the entire school.

Following the club’s jaw-dropping performance at the school’s pep rally, accomplishing this dream seemed increasingly plausible. With guidance from alumni Ciara Best and Lisa Deryce, Edwards led the club to make history by creating the first-ever school-wide assembly dedicated to the celebration of Black History Month. The performance’s aim was to educate viewers in a language that all could understand — dance. 

The African American Club performed a showcase of the evolution of Black American dance. Each dance number featured songs and costumes which matched the decade that was being demonstrated.

In a span of just three weeks, the club was able to prepare a 45-minute presentation of Black dance culture that left students, teachers and administrators in awe. 

Behind the astonishing choreography, colorful dress and blasting music was clear and genuine passion. Edwards’ dream had come true as a product of her own diligence and determination.

Her goal of exposing her peers to the numerous contributions of the Black community was undeniably achieved. Students spoke among themselves about the intense joy they felt as they watched the talented members of AAC dance about the stage bringing decades’ worth of black American dance to life.

Both Edwards and the club supervisor, Carlos Ávalos, received praise from teachers and administrators following AAC’s historic showcase.

Throughout the month of February, however, members of Lawrence High School’s AAC stressed that the celebration of Black history and contribution ought not to be condensed into a single month but commemorated year-round.

In the words of Black cultural writer Melissa Kimble —“This world does not move without Black creativity.”