Freeport Public Schools hosted their annual districtwide Black History Month Celebration on Feb. 28 in the Freeport High School Performing Arts Center. The celebration brought the school district’s administrators, Board of Education members, families, friends and the community together to see and hear the stunning showcase of visual arts, spoken word, dance and vocals from Freeport’s students.
As those in attendance beamed with pride, Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Kishore Kuncham welcomed everyone. “Our district is proud to recognize and celebrate Black History Month by incorporating a series of events designed to explore and share the contributions of African Americans to the arts,” Dr. Kuncham said. “From art exhibits and performances to classroom discussions and presentations, we are committed to creating spaces for learning, reflection and inspiration. Let’s remember that Black History Month is not just about reflecting on the past, but about shaping the future. It is a call to each of us, especially our students, to dream, to create and to forge paths that honor the legacy of those who have paved the way before us.”
The kindergarten students from Columbus Avenue Early Childhood Center were the opening performance for the evening, singing the song “Hope.” Students were filled with joy and enthusiasm as they finished their performance, and the audience responded with a thundering round of applause.
The J.W. Dodd Middle School Dance Team took the stage and performed the piece “If I Were a Rich Girl,” that showcased the teams complex choreography.
Freeport High School senior Lourdes Saunders-Black read the inspiring poem “Catch the Fire” by poet Sonia Sanchez.
The second grade World Music Club from Bayview Avenue Elementary School performed “Wewe Ni Mungu Wetu,” a traditional Tanzania piece that incorporated dance and vocals beautifully.
The Hot Steppers from Leo F. Giblyn School performed a step routine titled “Stepping” which blended African folk traditions with popular Black American culture.
Next, presenting a slideshow of notable Black Americans, was the Archer Street School Ballroom Dance Team who highlighted the accomplishments of George Washington Carver, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Barack Obama and Madam CJ Walker.
From New Visions Elementary School, the third and fourth grade glee clubs had the audience tapping their feet to Duke Ellington’s “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing).”
The Black History Month celebration closed with the Caroline G. Atkinson Intermediate School step team — The ATK Hot Steppers and The ATK Alphas.
The celebration was an incredible way to highlight this year’s National Black History Month theme “African Americans and the Arts.”