Bridgeland HS Honors Black History Month with Poetic Celebration
Bridgeland High School hosted its third annual “Lift Every Voice: A Poetic Celebration of Black History and Culture” event on Feb. 8 in the school auditorium.
April Young, Bridgeland college and career specialist, started the annual event to give students a voice and create an outlet for students to speak to their experiences and their celebrations.
“We allow our students to sing, dance, perform poetry or anything that they feel represents or celebrates Black history or Black culture,” Young said. “I think sometimes students go from class to class and don’t have a chance to show their individuality, but this event allows students to showcase what’s on their hearts and minds in a meaningful way.”
Nearly 20 students, including the Bridgeland Sapphire Sole Sisters Step Team, performed different songs, dances and poetry. Bridgeland senior Carmen Cameron performed an original slam poem that touched on multiple topics regarding the Black experience.
“I really appreciate that Bridgeland created a space where I could share my experience, my opinions, my thoughts and my ideas,” Cameron said. “I think the school putting on an event like this shows that they care.”
Students who were interested in participating in the event were asked to sign up via a QR code and then met with Young about their initial thoughts on what kind of performance they’d like to share. Young then met with students again to rehearse before the actual event.
“I love this event,” Young said. “Something like this is not part of my everyday job description, but the way I look at it, I’m building relationships with students who I wouldn’t generally have an opportunity to build a relationship with because I don’t have a classroom. I get to know students in a different light, and they get to know me in a different forum, too, so it’s a win-win.”
The event not only helps Young get to know students while celebrating and exploring Black history, but also helps other students get to know each other better.
“I think the unifying message for this event is really in the title: lifting every voice,” Young said. “I want this event to always be an opportunity for all students to feel confident, comfortable and feel like this is a space for them. Even though it’s Black History Month, you don’t have to be Black to celebrate Black history.”
Source: Cypress-Fairbanks ISD
