Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Students from all eight Freeport schools took center stage at the district’s annual Black History Month celebration, filling the Performing Arts Center with music, spoken word, and dance performances that honored African American heritage.
The event, held on Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. at Freeport High School, brought together students, parents, faculty, and local officials for a night of celebration and reflection.
Danielle Ballard-Eberhart, Freeport’s director of diversity, equity, and inclusion, was one of the primary organizers of the event alongside Lynn Fusco, director of arts and community relations.
Ballard-Eberhart described the extensive planning process required to bring the evening together.
“All eight of our schools were represented in performing for our Black History Month program, which is an annual celebration here in Freeport,” she said.
Each school prepared a unique presentation for the evening, ranging from musical performances to step routines.
The Freeport High School jazz combo played Autumn Leaves, and students from New Visions performed Mother to Son.
The evening also included two step teams, the Atkinson Hot Steppers and the Alphas, as well as a performance by the kindergarten chorus from Columbus, who sang Kindness is Free.
Ballard-Eberhart emphasized the strong turnout for the event.
“We had an excellent turnout last night., she said. “I think every seat in the house was pretty much filled…We also had an art presentation that showcased the visual arts from all of our students from grades K through 12.”
Parents, faculty, and local officials attended, including legislators Seth Koslow and Debra Mulé, as well as members of the Board of Education, Superintendent Fia Davis, who gave a speech, and the district’s assistant superintendents.
I think that (the parents) loved that it was a variety of different acts, a variety of different performances for the evening,” Ballard-Eberhart said.
“This year, and particularly, you know, we really had a focus on honoring, you know, the rich and diverse history of African Americans in our country,” she added.
“From groundbreaking innovations of art, music, leadership, and more. Even just as far as global progress is concerned, but making sure our students have an understanding that, you know, Black history started well before enslavement.”
The event lasted about an hour, with valedictorian Lourdes Saunders Blake serving as emcee.
Ballard-Eberhart, a Freeport alumna who has been in her current role for four years after previously teaching social studies and serving as an assistant principal, reflected on the importance of events like this for students.
“I just think it’s incredibly timely, you know, just keeping your strength in unity and creating and continuing to create an inclusive community, a school community.”
With another successful celebration in the books, Freeport continues to showcase the talent, history, and cultural pride of its students.
