Parkway North Celebrates Black History Month; Hosts Annual Talent Show

             Since 1976, people in the United States have celebrated African American culture and history during Black History Month. Parkway North will also be celebrating, not just African American history, but the school’s diverse culture and unity, as students and teachers alike get ready for the second annual Black History Celebration.
             Parkway North’s Black History Celebration began last year when junior Julisa Powell came up with the idea for the show after she had been involved with a program known as Culture Leadership.
             “I knew I wanted to do something for [Black History Month] but I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do until I saw the Help for Haiti Talent show. That’s where I got my idea for a talent show, but we also got guest speakers to come,” said Powell.

             Powell brought the idea to math teacher Joshlyn Harris for approval, and preparations for the show were underway. “I thought it was a good idea. The show was such a success last year we decided to do it again, and hopefully it will become an ongoing thing,” said Harris.
             Preparations for this year’s show began at the end of last semester when Powell put together a team of students to help run the show and began watching auditions to choose different performers. Since the performers were chosen, rehearsals have begun as well as other preparations for the show.”  
             “There will be poetry, singing, dancing, live music, and guest speakers. It will be a nice experience [for students to] see. Not a lot of people see this side of [African American] culture,” said Harris.
             The talent show will also highlight many aspects of not just African American History, but its culture as well. “We want to show people of other backgrounds the African American culture and experience that a lot of people don’t know about; for example, the art of Stepping. Stepping has been around since late 1800s, early 1900s, but many people in our community didn’t know about [stepping] until the Step squad started [at Parkway North] in 1998,” Harris said.
             Not only will the show highlight African American history, but it will also celebrate the diversity in the school’s community.
             “As a diverse school, it is important to embrace and educate ourselves about the differences everyone has. To really understand and grow as an individual, we first have to understand and celebrate each other. That is why we call it a celebration instead of just a Talent Show. [The show] isn’t just about black history, it’s about coming together.” Powell said.
             Powell said that students who come see the show will not only be entertained, but they will also be educated about black history and culture.
             “I want [the students] to be more educated and be able to develop a more accurate perspective about black culture and to be entertained by the show. I’ve also done research about current events that are happening and on my own culture and heritage, because if I can educate myself first, then I can educate the other students,” Powell said.
             Along with guest speakers and student performers, food and other refreshments will be served throughout the show.
             The Black History Celebration will be held on February 16 at 7 p.m. in the Parkway North Theatre. The event is free and all are welcome.

By Jo Treadway