Blacktivity Week

The AACC led an exciting week of activities, dubbed Blacktivity Week, in celebration of Black History Month. The origins of this commemoration date back to 1915, when author and historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). Through this organization, Dr. Woodson initiated a week in February to honor African American history. Dr. Woodson chose the week in February that included the birthdays of both Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. In 1975, President Gerald Ford urged all Americans to “recognize the important contribution made to our nation's life and culture by Black citizens” by celebrating Black History Week. In 1976, ASALH expanded Black History Week to Black History Month, which was followed by President Ford again urging Americans to honor Black history during the month of February. In 1986, Congress passed Public Law 99-244, which designated February 1986 as National Black History Month. President Ronald Reagan proclaimed that Black History Month is to make all Americans aware of the struggles of African Americans and their many achievements. Since then every president has issued a proclamation endorsing Black History Month.

As for the activities, AACC hosted its first-ever showcase. Zhaire Easley (‘25), Co-President of AACC, noted, “We’ve never done this before but we wanted to elevate the club. We had the idea of a showcase and worked extensively to organize all the performances.” The showcase opened with the Black national anthem, “Lift Every Voice.” Deputy Superintendent Oz Hill gave a moving speech on Black resilience, leadership, education, and history. Following the speech, the West Powelton Steppers took the stage, commanding the auditorium with their energetic drumming. After a quick performance from the step club, AACC’s own band played a wonderful rendition of “Redbone.” The musical flow continued with an exciting rap battle between Amira Adams and Bree Thomas. The showcase ended with a series of African cultural songs with a grand finale of inviting the whole school up to dance along. 

Other activities included a basketball tournament, Family Feud, and a cookout. The basketball game was very successful, packing the gym full of players and spectators, keeping everyone at the edge of their seats with an exciting final game. Family Feud included topics on Black artists, historically Black colleges and universities, foods at a cookout, and Black hairstyles. The cookout was also a huge success, with people clamouring to get a plate of fried or baked chicken, mac and cheese, collard greens, and sweet yams. The line for the cookout dwarfed that of the regular school lunch. With glowing reviews, the food was a big hit. 

In reflection, Zhaire noted that the week brought the school community together to celebrate Black culture and engage in exciting activities, and he hopes the tradition will continue for years to come.