Black culture, history, and excellence were celebrated across divisions during Black History Month. Special assemblies featured personal stories and insights from students, presentations on notable Black changemakers, and energetic dance performances. The events fostered a deeper understanding of Black identity while bringing the entire school community together in celebration.

The Black Student Union (BSU) kicked off the month with an upper school King Talk focused on the importance of Black Student Unions and the Black Diaspora on Monday, Feburary 10. 

“The purpose of BSUs is to build community, empower Black students to become leaders in our schools, and to express and celebrate our identities and achievements,” said Zuri Giddings ’26.

Krys Gaston '26 emphasized the diversity within the Black community. “The Black Diaspora is not a monolith,” he said. “We all have distinct backgrounds and cultures.” 

Students also shared historical insights and personal anecdotes about their familial heritages, from a range of countries, including Haiti, Nigeria, and Guyana.

“People love our rhythm but ignore our blues,” said Olivia Ajayi '27, referencing a phrase popularized following the death of George Floyd in 2020 that touches on the widespread enjoyment of Black culture and entertainment contrasted with silence on Black issues. 

Kioja Duff ’25 concluded the talk with an exploration of cultural appreciation versus appropriation.“Beyond Black History Month, it is crucial to acknowledge both the intent behind our actions and their impact, fostering a more inclusive and understanding environment,” she said.

A second upper school assembly led by the BSU on Tuesday, February 18, featured a spirited Kahoot trivia game with questions centered around Black politics, inventions, entertainment, music, sports, and culture. The entire Upper School participated, reacting with cheers and gasps as the competition progressed, culminating in five winners. 

In the Middle School, Students of Color at King (SOCK) developed their own trivia game for an upcoming assembly.

On Wednesday, February 12, lower school students attended “A Celebration of Black Excellence and Joy,” a special assembly led by the Lower School Student Council. 

Student presentations focused on the origins of Black History Month and honored historical figures, including Malcolm X, Martin Luther King Jr., Carter G. Woodson, and Yolanda Renee King, the 16-year-old granddaughter of Martin Luther King Jr., who wrote the children’s book “We Dream a World: Carrying the Light From My Grandparents Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King” which advocates for youth activism. 

The assembly also recognized the women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. 

“They were responsible for sorting and delivering a massive backlog of mail to American troops stationed in Europe, a problem that was causing low morale among U.S. troops,” said Ruby Tello ’32, adding that the film “The Six Triple Eight” about these women is now on Netflix. “The hard work these dedicated women put forth helped keep the soldiers’ spirits high.” 

First-grade students shared their research about Black changemakers who inspired them, including figures such as Jackie Robinson, Michelle Obama, and Rosa Parks.

Capping off the month-long celebration, all divisions enjoyed a thrilling performance by Step Afrika!, the world’s leading authority on the art form of stepping, on Friday, February 21. Founded in 1994 by C. Brian Williams, Step Afrika! has toured more than 60 countries and is ranked among the top 10 African American dance companies in the United States. 

Stepping, which originated in West Africa and evolved in Black communities in the U.S., became a powerful mode of musical and cultural expression, especially for African American fraternities and sororities.

The art form uses the body to create sounds and convey stories. When enslaved Africans were brought to America, they were stripped of their drums, which had been an essential part of their music and culture. In response, they developed stepping to maintain rhythmic expression through movement. Additionally, because they came from diverse regions of Africa and spoke different languages and dialects, stepping also became a means of communication.

The high-energy performances at King blended percussive dance styles, traditional African movements, and contemporary elements, creating a dynamic and interactive experience. The group educated students on the history of stepping while delivering a show filled with precision, agility, and enthusiasm. Audience members clapped, cheered, and joined in.

As Black History Month concludes, these celebrations serve as a reminder that Black culture, history, and contributions should be honored year-round, fostering an inclusive and appreciative community for all.

The BSU provided the community with the following curated list of books, movies, and television shows that highlight Black stories.  

Books
“The Souls of Black Folk 
“Stamped from the Beginning 
“Between the World and Me 
“The Warmth of Other Suns
“How to Be an Antiracist
“And We Rise
“Black Boy
“I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings 
“American Street

Movies
“Hidden Figures”
“Selma”
“The Hate U Give”
“The 13th”
“Just Mercy”
“42”
“The Banker”
“Rustin”
“Till”
“Harriet”
“Ruby Bridges”

Television
“Blackish”
“Grownish”
“When They See Us”
“Fresh Prince of Bel Air”
“The Proud Family”
“Self Made”
“The 1619 Project”
“A Different World”
“Dear White People”
“They Gotta Have Us”
“Colin in Black and White”