Embedded Files
A Breakdown of the Amazing Black History Month Assembly
A Breakdown of the Amazing Black History Month Assembly
Writer: Eliezer Mordo
Editor: Rowan Santos
Date: 2-23-24
Auburn Mountainview’s Black Student Union held its annual Black History Month assembly this past Friday. The assembly featured an impactful speech, various displays of poetry, biographies, and showstopping musical performances by Joshua William-Ajaero aka 253 RPL, a current Senior, and ‘16 alum Vic Daggs II; as well as the Black national anthem being sung by Mariah Vann.
Members of the B.S.U. used their platform to showcase the importance of Black history, with an emphasis on college education and creativity. It was amusing to see how they put different disciplines together to convey their overall message. Alina Davis, President of the student union, opened the assembly with a speech addressing the significance of Black history in schools. Davis specifically mentions that she hopes listeners will leave the assembly knowing that Black history is essential to our everyday lives. Vice President, Aijah King shared her original poem encompassing the importance of a college education and how she’ll use it to support her family. The poem also addresses what this would personally mean to her ancestors, as she is truly “The reality to Dr. King’s dream”.The second poem was read by Rya, a Sophomore at Spanaway high school. Her poem was centered around the Black experience and how she stays true to her Blackness. Two biographies about Alice Coachman and Robert S. Abbott were then expressed by Treasurer Nyree Mccall, and Secretary Ndaye Mar.
I would say that the highlights of the assembly were undoubtedly the two incredible musical acts. Starting with Vic Daggs II, the first song he played titled “Royal” emitted immense energy into the audience even though it was 9 am! To maintain the enthusiasm in the crowd while finishing his set, Daggs II performed “Blackout”. Matching the title of the song, all the lights in the gym were shut off and students were invited to join him on the court to enjoy this song. The assembly closed on a high note with 253 RPL performing his original song “Replacing You” featuring live instrumentation from the AMHS Orchestra which has numerously collaborated with the singer in the past. In addition to his own music, 253 RPL’s covered songs such as “One Dance” by Drake which in turn inclined audience members to dance and sing along.
In retrospect, the Black History Month assembly was a success. The participants showed off their talents while sharing important messages through speeches, poetry, music, and discussions of famous figures. The event beautifully celebrated Black culture and taught everyone the importance of Black history, education, and creativity. This assembly helped people appreciate the greatness of Black people and their ability to persevere through tough times. Overall, it was a meaningful experience for all who attended.
Interviews
Interviews
“Where do you get your inspiration for your poetry?”
Rya: I think it’s honestly just my own experiences. I read lots of books so I guess that’s where the literature aspect comes in; but when it comes to what I’m writing about such as the content and how it’s structured it is all based around experiences I’ve had.
“What’s it like being B.S.U. president?”
Alina: It’s very stressful, I have a lot of things to do and I have to make sure everything is organized while being a role model. It’s also fun because I get to put my own spin on things and it shows me that I’m capable of doing what I desire, I get to be a leader.
“What does poetry mean to you?”
Aijah: It means when you express what you’re feeling, you get to say that through your poems.
“What does the Black national anthem mean to you?”
Mariah: It just means to stand up for yourself, it talks about everything we went through which is very serious to me. It was also scary singing that song because you have to remember it’s for certain people that went through certain things and how they overcame it. It’s a very serious situation and song. It’s beautiful.
“What’s it like singing your own personal songs in front of the school?”
253 RPL: Honestly, the first time I did it was very hard and nerve racking, but it became easier as I kept doing it and now I’m pretty confident.
“Where do you get your inspiration for your music”
Vic Daggs II: I get my inspiration from within, so just working internally and then pushing it out into the universe rather than seeing what's going on from social media or other people. I think that makes me more relatable, and I can talk about things people don’t talk about.
Page updated
Report abuse