Schools mark Black History Month

Celebrities the students imitated were Michael Jackson, Kenny G, Aretha Franklin, Kendrick Lamar, The Notorious B.I.G., Duke Ellington and hosts of the show Chris Rock and Kevin Hart.

Several Horizon Science Academy of Lorain students put on a show on the campus Feb. 22 in celebration of Black History Month. Students in grades five to 12, who volunteered for the show, performed in a Black History awards show in commemoration of music influenced by African American culture. The show was one of the ways Horizon celebrated the month through this year’s theme, “Rhythm and Relationships.” The show took place in the school’s auditorium, 760 Tower Blvd., where music of all genres engaged performers and the crowd. Awards celebrating music which had an impact on not only African Americans, but on the world, were given to influential, musical artists of different eras. A few of the genres recognized were hip-hop, jazz, soul and classical. Celebrities the students imitated were Michael Jackson, Kenny G, Aretha Franklin, Kendrick Lamar, The Notorious B.I.G., Duke Ellington and hosts of the show Chris Rock and Kevin Hart. Each student also shared important information as to how these artists influenced society. Keymasha Knight, coordinator of the school’s Black History Month events and assistant principal to high school and middle school students, said the staff wanted to focus on music that originated from the African American culture because it has become a large part of the culture. Knight said this year’s celebration was to educate the younger generation and recognize those who have shaped American history through music. “It’s part of pushing the progression of things like Civil Rights and allowing cultural conversations to occur,” she said. Some movements at the show that were recognized in black history and has shaped American culture were not only the Civil Rights movement, but the Motown message, cultural inspiration and more. Knight said, through music, the school wanted to commemorate black history because it has brought people of all backgrounds and ethnicities together. “Black history isn’t just about black people,” she said. “Black history is America’s history, too.” Knight said students were a part of the production to better engage with their classmates in the audience. Students of all races were included in the production because music that has been influenced by African Americans has impacted all, she said. Concluding the event, a Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to a student who portrayed Michael Jackson. Following, the performers came together to perform the 1985 tune, “We are the World,” by a collaboration of musicians who comprised the group, U.S.A for Africa. Knight said performing this song has a dual message. “We wanted to show that this song is something (Michael Jackson) was a part of that affected the world, but also, we want to instill it into our student body that it’s up to us to determine how we will continue to bridge gaps, create change and rally and become allies,” Knight said of the song’s importance of bringing people together.

BRIANA CONTRERAS — THE MORNING JOURNAL Myjia Brown, an 11th-grade student at Horizon Science Academy of Lorain, performs as Aretha Franklin on Feb. 22 during a Black History Month Awards Show at the school.