Battle High School Minority Achievement Committee (MAC) Scholars and Black History Planning Committee will host an afternoon celebration in recognition of Black History Month, Feb. 27. The afternoon celebration, originally scheduled for Feb. 4, was due to inclement weather. The program will begin at 6:30 PM. The all-school event, however, was held on Feb. 4 during the school day. 

President of MAC Scholars, Amaya Daniels said they worked very hard planning for this year’s celebration. “It’s been stressful but also an amazing process to work with talented individuals and help organize this event. We hope to have a great turnout this year and many more years to come,” Daniels said.

This Year’s theme was  My Journey: Past, Present, and Future. To promote the project, Battle hosted a poster contest, in which they designed the poster for this year’s event. Collin Riley, sophomore, won the Black History Month poster contest.  

The all-school assembly recognized  Battle’s outstanding African American students, faculty members who advocate for students of color, and supportive community organizations. Performances from the Battle High School Jazz Band, Spartan Sparklers, Odyssey A Capella choir, Gabriel Watkins-Mocumbi, a Student/Staff choir directed by Overseer Lamont Walker of Voices Power and Glory, and poetry readings by Battle students also took place.

Lauren Bailey, student, said she enjoyed the event for many reasons. “The performances by the students were really amazing,” Bailey said.

Pamela Nunnelly was among the teachers that advocated for the event this year. She says the theme was inspired by multiple things. 

“The Black History Month Celebration Committee wanted to create a platform that explores history through the lens of our Black students as they ponder the past, struggle with the present, and embrace the future,” Nunnelly said.

At the night event held on Feb. 27, the Visual Arts department will also host a pop up art show at the night event, displaying artwork from seven students in photography, drawing, painting, and 3D art. The works displayed are student and teacher selected and each student has one to three pieces displayed. The artists will be on-site that evening to speak with visitors about their artwork and artistic interests and process.

Art teacher Jody Spriggs says she is excited to have her art classes be a part of the event, as this is the first year they’re incorporating an art show to the celebration.

“I am excited about the visual arts participation in this year’s Black History Month Celebration. It will be the first time we have coordinated a pop-up show for such an event and it is a great way to showcase the diverse talents of our Battle artists,” Spriggs said. 

There will also be a “Taste of Soul” event featuring a Southern style African American cuisine served for $5 before the program which includes meat, two sides and dessert. Battle will also be holding a silent auction with items donated by faculty and staff.  All proceeds from the dinner and silent auction will benefit Battle High School MAC Scholars.

Theater teacher William Palmer says he looks forward to attending this year’s event.

“I am excited about this year’s Black History Month celebration as we recognize the excellence of our outstanding black students,” Palmer said. 

The event is free and will be held in the Performing Arts Center.