Roosevelt High School holds its "Routes to Roots" celebration

After having been postponed due to local blizzard weather in late February, the Roosevelt community was finally able to gather at Roosevelt High School for its “Routes to Roots” celebration for Black History Month on March 19.

Led by student masters of ceremonies Tattiasia Barley and Carla Cruz, the program featured powerful student performances and tributes dedicated to Black art, music, dance and culture. The program was separated into three parts titled “Fashion,” “Community” and “Rhythm and Roots.”

A vibrant skit during the Fashion section featured Barley and Cruz walking along the festive stage showcasing Black hairstyles and how they influence modern trends and fashion today.

Next, students enrolled in Roosevelt’s American Sign Language (ASL) class demonstrated the differences between ASL and Black American Sign Language, a distinct variety of ASL that developed due to segregation in schools during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

The evening also included a dance routine to Michael Jackson’s “Don’t Stop ‘til You Get Enough,” performed by the Roosevelt High School Majorettes, a rendition of Hezekiah Walker’s “So Amazing,” performed by the Roosevelt Community Choir, Donny Hathaway’s “A Song for You,” sung by Roosevelt senior student Nylah Lyons, a rendition of Earth, Wind and Fire’s “Fantasy,” performed by the Roosevelt High School Select Choir and a performance of “Rhythms of Africa” by the Roosevelt Chamber Orchestra.

Another highlight of the night was a showcase of Haitian liberation, during which students discussed the revolution and eventual independence of Haiti in 1804, before taking the stage for a lively performance, celebrating Haitian culture, music and dance.

Closing out the night of artistic performances was a spoken word performance by Roosevelt High School students, followed by a finale song “Let Me See Some Footwork,” performed by Will Traxx.

Town of Hempstead Senior Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby was in attendance and was given the opportunity to recognize select Roosevelt honorees for their lasting impact on the community. The honorees were Barbara Solomon, Bishop J. Raymond Mackey, Ujima Jame, Kenneth Ware, James Aydelott, Theresa Aydelott, Wilhelmina Funderburke, Francis Abel and Retha Mae Hines.

“Routes to Roots was a powerful and meaningful celebration of history, identity, artistry, and community,” said Shawn Wightman, superintendent of schools for the Roosevelt Union Free School District. “Our students honored the legacy and enduring contributions of Black history and culture with remarkable talent, pride, and purpose, helping bring important lessons of history to life for everyone in attendance. In Roosevelt, it is essential that our students see themselves reflected in the learning experiences and celebrations in our schools. This program was a beautiful reminder of the power of student voice and the importance of honoring the history, culture, and contributions that continue to shape our community and our nation.”