Ferguson Celebrates Black History Month

Over the course of history, there have been monumental moments that play a grand role in black history, and it is specially highlighted throughout the month of February, as it is Black History Month, where we honor the triumphs and struggles of African Americans throughout the years. 

There’s many prominent figures that have made a profound impact in history such as Martin Luther King Jr, Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman, Maya Angelou, and the list is never ending. The achievements of black history month can be attributed to the effort and people who made them possible. For instance, the story of Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr, initiators of the Civil Rights Movement, is highly inspirational and crucial to black history around the world.

The month also provides us with the opportunity to learn more about African American lives and experiences while also gaining an education about the historical events that have a bearing on their ancestry. Additionally, it is a wonderful time to celebrate and appreciate their culture and heritage that has impacted the customs of other cultures through language, religion, literature, music, art, and dance.

We held our annual Black History Month show to entertain and mainly educate our large audience of Ferguson Falcons of the significance of this month, but Mrs. Kilpatrick couldn’t organize the event on her own. 

Ferguson’s acapella group, Nothin’ But Treble, beautifully executed “Killing Me Softly with His Song” by Fugees, a song who’s release was an extremely important moment for young black women in the 1990s. Following the acapella performance, Valentina Vargas performed “I’d Rather Go Blind” by Etta James, who played a huge role in bringing together a variety of music genres that originated from African American communities and are highly influential in American classical music history including jazz, R&B, soul, gospel and blues.

Mrs. Wexler also brought in our talented Fusion dancers to perform. “Fusion is always amazing. All I have to do is give Mrs. Wexler the assembly date, and she always delivers,” said Mrs. Kilpatrick. Mr. Lowell Thomas led the steel drum band to add to the show’s artistic appeal. “The rest of the artists, if we don’t have talent in-house, then I bring it in,” Kilpatrick commented. 

“It is a real team effort. It is a Falcon effort.” 

Ms. Williams handled the technological aspect of the show, deciding what videos should be included. Mrs. Sanbria’s students also assisted backstage as stagehands, working the screen, curtain, and lighting. The performances were under the direction of Ms. Kilpatrick, who ensured a variety of acts, while carrying the theme throughout.

In recognition of medical scholars and health care providers, this year’s theme was Black Health and Wellness. Black medics and scholars, who played a pivotal role throughout the African Diaspora and are honored through this theme. The legacy of those who made a significant contribution to black history is acknowledged in the month of February, as well as year-round.

The black community has faced many adversities throughout the years, and these challenges paved the way for the triumphs that were celebrated in the years to come, and will continue to be celebrated to this day.