Celebrating Black History Month at Poly

This February marks 100 years of the observance of Black History Month in the United States, a heritage month that honors the achievements of African Americans. Poly put on programming in every division that celebrates Black history while also highlighting the creativity and cultural influence that continue to shape the present. 

The Upper School Black Student Union (BSU) hosted an assembly on Feb. 11 titled “We Are The Culture,” a performance centered on Black artistic expression. “Our culture isn’t frozen in the past but continues to live, grow, and evolve through Black people every day,” said BSU Co-President Lennon S. ’26 while addressing Garland Theater. Fellow Co-President Elissa H. ’26 continued, “‘We Are The Culture’ reminds us that Black culture doesn’t just live in history books, it lives through people who create, lead, and shape the world around them. Black culture influences music, art, language, fashion, science, activism, and so much more. And it lives within generations of Black students, leaders, artists, and communities—including Poly’s own Black Student Union.”

The assembly highlighted Black creativity from the community, including original art, writing, dance, and music. Olivia A.d.T. ’26 sang “Lift Me Up,” Stella M. ’27 shared videos of dance competition combos, and Lennon read an original poem titled “Inheritance” about his family. Musicians Candace Lacy and Friends returned for a second year, with songs including “Last Time (I See the Sun)” from the film Sinners and “Put A Little Love In Your Heart.” Dancer Marcus “BoogieBot” Taylor energized the audience with a gravity-defying break dance performance. 

The assembly was organized by BSU leaders, including Co-Presidents Elissa and Lennon, Vice President Langston S. ’26, Secretary Olivia D. ’28, Coordinator Rhianna C. ’27, and Treasurer Sofia D. ’27. Afterward, students gathered in McWilliams Courtyard for a soul food reception featuring dishes such as collard greens, cornbread, and mac ’n cheese. The foods trace their origins to the cooking traditions of enslaved people in the Southern United States and reflect culinary roots in West and Central African foodways, giving students an opportunity to experience history through cuisine.

The Middle School recognized important figures in Black history during Morning Meeting with support from the organizing committee of Middle School Dean of Academics and Student Life Mychal Johnson, Middle School Spanish Teacher Marcela vonBreymann, and Middle School Math Teacher Becky Chadwick. Beginning with Claudette Colvin, a pioneer of the Civil Rights Movement who refused to give up her bus seat on a segregated bus in 1955, and the 1968 Olympics Black Power Protest, the Middle School will also highlight Black Wall Street and Malcolm X. 

“When we think about American history, Black history is so interwoven in that,” Mychal said. “There are some real hardships that African Americans have gone through in this country. Those stories are important, as well as the joy, resilience, and resistance. My hope is that students can see both the hard times and the creativity, entrepreneurship, and innovation associated with Black history and culture.”

On Feb. 20, Middle School students will continue the celebration with an assembly centered on Black joy, featuring Melanated Jump Squad, a double-dutch organization that teaches the cultural significance of the tradition. The program will include an interactive portion and invite students to join in during lunch.

The Lower School hosted an assembly on Feb. 10 featuring a performance by members of Black Greek Letter Organizations (BGLOs) from the University of Southern California and Cal State University, Long Beach. In the weeks leading up to the event, classes learned about the Divine Nine, the historically Black fraternities and sororities founded to support leadership, scholarship, and service at a time when Black students were not welcomed in other campus organizations. The assembly opened with students singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” followed by introductions from Della P. ’36 and Asaya A. ’33. Representatives from Zeta Phi Beta, Alpha Phi Alpha, and Omega Psi Phi demonstrated step, marching, and hopping while explaining the meaning behind each tradition.

The event was organized with the help of Llisa Prater ’00 P ’36, along with Lower School Art Teacher Marissa Reece-Jackson, Kindergarten Teacher Sherlyn Burns, and Fifth-Grade Teacher Linda Breen. Classroom learning has extended the celebration beyond the assembly. In art, students studied Faith Ringgold and her narrative quilts, then explored quilting themselves, and will visit the Huntington to view quilts on display. In fifth grade, Linda Breen teaches Heart and Soul by Kadir Nelson, while Sherlyn Burns highlights influential figures such as Amanda Gorman, Mae Jemison, and Ruby Bridges. “Heritage months lend themselves to allowing our students to connect even more so and to learn about each other’s backgrounds,” Linda said. “Every year it’s something different and special.”

The Poly community will also have an opportunity to participate later this month at Poly’s fifth-annual Black Cultural Celebration hosted by the Poly Black Family Alliance (PBFA). The event will take place Sunday, Feb. 22, from 2 to 4 p.m. in McWilliams Courtyard and will feature food, live performances, arts and crafts, and family-friendly activities. All members of the community are invited to attend and celebrate together.

For Llisa Prater, who helped plan the Lower School assembly and serves as PBFA parent co-chair, supporting these programs is purposeful work. "This year, I wanted to do something different and celebrate Black History Month by focusing on different cultural traditions. I love how Poly shines a light on the many cultures represented by its students. As a parent volunteer, it means a lot to share my own heritage while supporting the school and helping bring these programs to life."

Across campus, the month’s events reflect a shared commitment to honoring Black history while celebrating the vibrant contemporary culture. Through performances, lessons, and gatherings, Black History Month invites students to reflect and also rejoice in the richness of the Poly community.