Each February, our school unites for several special events in honor of Black History Month. This year’s events have included a Black History Month Mass, a cultural heritage potluck, and the return of a much-loved school event – the Talent Show and Flag Walk. The bulk of the planning of these events is handled by Melanated & Educated, a student club led by its president, senior Aissata.
“I think it’s important for our club to host events like these because it gives us an opportunity to come together as a community and share different parts of our lives,” said Aissata about the club’s impact. “We see each other every day, but not necessarily our cultural aspects. This is a way to share things we grew up with that our classmates wouldn’t know about us otherwise.”
On February 6, a special Black History Month Mass was held in the school chapel, led by Reverend Tesfaye Petros Botachew, the Director of Multicultural Ministry for the Diocese of Columbus. The Mass celebration was accompanied by performers from St. Dominic’s Church, who sang in French.
(Pictured: juniors Ca’Layia and Nigel lead the Mass readings)
(Pictured: senior Deandre, Social Studies Teacher Amy Zalimas, and seniors Aissata and Rashawna at the cultural heritage potluck)
On February 11, students gathered to share delicious cultural dishes at an after-school potluck, co-hosted by Melanated & Educated and the Cultural Cooking Club. “Food and community bring people together,” said Aissata, “and this is another way we can connect and share our cultures with one another.” Not only did the event bring the school together, it also brought together two student groups to plan and organize, setting the stage for more successful collaborations in the future. “It was amazing to work with Melanated & Educated to plan and host the potluck,” said senior Chris, a founding member of the Cultural Cooking Club. “They did a lot of the heavy lifting, which made it really easy for us to be a part of the event and continue the tradition.”
The celebrations will wrap up with a Black History Month Spirit Week, which will include the return of a beloved event – the Black History Month Talent Show and Flag Walk. Held after school at the Main Branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library, this event will feature art, poetry, dance performances, guest speakers, and the Flag Walk representing the Black Diaspora.
Seniors Chris of the Cultural Cooking Club
and Aissata of Melanated & Educated
Students and staff gather to celebrate Black History Month
at the after-school potluck