This week, the Upper School Black Student Union (BSU) organized a series of events for Black History Month, including an assembly, led by BSU co-heads Erin L. '24 and Jordan C. '24, titled "Black Liberation Through the Joy of Artistic Expression." "Far too often, mainstream media narratives cast Black individuals in a negative light or fail to capture the full spectrum of Black joy and happiness," Erin and Jordan explained. "While stories of Black struggle and resilience are important, it's equally vital to showcase the richness in diversity of the Black experience."

The duo led a Q&A with writer and producer Robb Chavis, to discuss his creative journey, his work on shows like Black-ish, why he likes to tell meaningful stories, and to share some advice for student artists and writers. "There's not a lot of opportunities to tell those kinds of Black stories… In this opportunity to tell stories, I felt like all of me was valuable," Chavis said when asked why Black-ish is his favorite project. Click here to watch a clip of his work!
 
The assembly also featured musical performances by Director of Equity Ian Tatum, who sang the National Black Anthem "Lift Every Voice and Sing," and the Glee Club, who performed "Walk in Jerusalem," an African American spiritual and anthem for freedom, liberty, and social justice. 
 
Other BSU-led activities included:

• Soul Food Lunch raised funds for the group while honoring the importance of culture, food, and connection.
• Playlist of Black Musicians during Upper School lunch (click here to listen!)
• Celebration of Black Hair. To commemorate the CROWN Act (which protects people in 24 states against discrimination at school or work because of their natural hair), BSU invited the campus community to embrace their natural hair texture and regain autonomy in one of the most unique aspects of Black culture and heritage.
• After School Movie Night screening of Let It Shine (2012), a musical comedy about loving yourself and letting who you are shine through.

Students across all divisions also learned about Black history in the classroom:

• “The Black experience is studied throughout the year in U.S. History class because it is woven into the story of the country since before its inception,” said History Teacher Willa Greenstone. “February is also wonderfully aligned with our study of the early 1900s, including the period of the Great Migration, the backlash of tremendous oppression against Black Americans, and the birth of the Harlem Renaissance, a celebration of strength and survival and the birth of a new era in the arts as it is woven into the story of the country from before its inception.” Greenstone's section of 11th grade “We the People: The Search for Freedom in the United States” history class listened to an episode from the podcast “Seeing White," which explores the story of Corbin, Kentucky, and their forced expulsion of their Black citizens, as well as their erasure of this history. Upcoming topics include the study of the Harlem Renaissance through the music of Bessie Smith, the poetry of Charles MacKay, and the art of James Lesesne Wells.
• Among other things, Susi Pettersson’s Lower School homeroom read “In the Year of the Boar & Jackie Robinson” by Bette Bao Lord and learned about the historical importance of Jackie Robinson—including in Pasadena—and watched a video about important Black inventors. This video prepared them for a project in art class where the students created model, promotional poster, ad, or skit about select inventions.
• A 5th grade art display of life-sized cutout portraits of Black artists created in the style of Amy Sherald, who painted Former First Lady Michelle Obama's portrait, in the main hall. This project kicks off a deeper study of Black artists in Val Trimarchi's art class that will continue throughout the year, when students will be inspired by Jacob Lawrence, Romare Bearden, Faith Ringgold, and more.

Looking for a book to conclude Black History Month? Check out our Westridge Reads page to view suggestions for readers of all ages.