Black History Month takes place in the month of February and is dedicated to highlighting and celebrating the contributions of African Americans throughout American history. It also serves as a celebration of culture and black excellence. As this month is observed across the country, GA’s Black Student Association (BSA) plans to bring awareness and celebrate within the school community, as they have done yearly. From community time activities to poetry readings, BSA strives not only to educate but also to emphasize the community’s contributions within GA.
The events will begin on Tuesday, Feb. 13 when author Charles Smith will talk about his journey as a writer during Community Time. Smith has written several notable novels such as Twelve Rounds to Glory which received a Corretta Scott King Author Honor Award, as well as My People and Rimshots to name a few. He has a unique performance style to go along with his novels, as he writes poetry that has an expressive tone and clever word play, according to Reading Rockets. He is also a photographer and illustrator of many of his books.
In addition, there will be a Black History Month celebration dinner for parents and families of GA students that same night, where Smith will give a short presentation.
On Wednesday, Feb. 14, BSA will host an open meeting during Flex for members and other students to discuss either “Black Love” or “Black Music.” According to an article in March’s edition of Essence magazine, the former focuses on fostering a sense of love for the culture and people within the Black community, recognizing the unique Black experience. The latter is straightforward, as students may discuss different Black artists and varying styles of music. BSA leaders are still deciding which they will discuss.
The celebration would not be complete without a signature Roberts Family Library poetry series reading, which will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 14 and Thursday, Feb. 29. Students and faculty members of BSA will be reading poetry significant to Black history and culture, choosing pieces that reflect their identity.
BSA plans to post flyers around the Upper School in the coming weeks of January and early February, as well as make frequent morning announcements to remind the Upper School of the events taking place throughout each week.
In previous years, BSA leaders noted that they appreciated many aspects of the month. However, they wanted to take a slightly different approach this year in order to create an even more engaging and educational experience for everyone in the GA community.
They aim to do this by shifting away from the traditional lengthy and informational presentations during Community Times. Instead, their events focus on bringing students together both within and outside the Black community through conversational events like poetry readings and open discussions.
“The affinity group wanted to celebrate and educate on Black History Month in a way that is engaging,” BSA leader Anthony Hall ‘25 said. “This will leave students interested and enthusiastic about the history that celebrates so many individuals.”
While Black history becomes especially recognized in February, it is important to celebrate and recognize Black culture year-round.
“A major part of Black History Month is simply recognizing the African-American community we have, especially at a predominantly white institution where we are in a specific minority,” Hall said. “As for many, this is the only time that [African Americans] are seen and heard for who they are.”