This story was originally published in the fourth issue of The Bear Truth (March 10, 2020).

Black History Month was extra special this year because, according to science teacher Jennifer Mallard, “It’s a leap year meaning we have an extra day to celebrate this amazing occasion.” The activities this month were organized by Jennifer Mallard, fellow science teacher Roz Richardson, and Angel Collins, one of our school’s SAMs. They had different activities throughout the month such as a food truck day, scavenger hunt, and activities in the courtyard with different foods and dances of the black culture, but the big event was the show. 

The Black History Month show started with a compelling speech from Ocky Clark, dean of students. The speech focused on slavery, discrimination, civil rights, and various stories that predate Arabic and Europeans slavery. Clark declared that black history expands thousands of years. There are more that slaves endured but that history omits because it was not recorded.

After the moving speech, the Gospel chorus, led by Ms. Johnson, sang, “I Do Worship You.” After that came a home group chorus from central Florida called B.I.G. Movement (breaking into greatness). Their speech focused on the many generations of African American movement gospel compensated by other music genres and how it developed through the ages; one of the singers said, “It’s not the only day and time period to celebrate the black history month.”

During the second show of the day, UCF’s The Divine 9 step organizations presented their different dances which represented the background information of their university house and fraternity/sisterhood. They focused on informing students on how the chapter continues during university and passes school for political involvement, economical and mental health-promoting black American communities. 

The final two shows of the day talked about African American excellence, including such people as Garrett Morgan. They also took a moment to remember the Black Mamba, Kobe Bryant, and all his success as a pro baller and NBA player. 

In addition, Ariel Green recited Maya Angelou’s poem, “Phenomenal Woman,” and Sierra Jamison sang Aretha Franklin’s hit song, “Respect.” In the grand finale, Jennifer Mallard and her entourage performed a medley of hits by the divine Queen B Beyoncé, which drew cheers from the audience. The show was finalized with a showing of the speech performed by the first African American U.S. president, Barack Obama.