Since 1976, the United States has honored the contributions of African Americans throughout the month of February. This tradition was originated by social rights activist Carter G. Woodson. In the early 1900s, Woodson founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, which was dedicated to “researching and promoting achievements by Black Americans and other people of African descent,” according to history.com.
In 1926, this group created a National Negro History Week during the second week of February to correlate with Abe Lincoln and Frederick Douglass’ birthdays. From there, as civil rights began to progress for African Americans, the idea of Black History Month was practiced on college campuses around America, and in 1976 under President Gerald Ford, Black History Month became officially recognized nationwide.
In honor of Black History Month, Spartanburg High School’s prolific Black History Club (BHC) has been engaging and educating the student body in Black culture and history. The Black History Club Schoology group gave every student the chance to answer a daily trivia question for a prize, and students could also sign up for Flextime sessions to participate in activities organized by BHC. On February 23, local African American vendors came to SHS to sell food and products during an extended Fun Lunch period, and BHC also organized multiple dress-up days related to Black history.
Braylon Rookard (12) is the treasurer of the Black History Club.
“I joined the Black History Club because I believe in the power of celebrating and honoring African American heritage. As the treasurer, I’ve found a meaningful way to contribute to the Spartanburg community and our student body,” Rookard said. “For me, being a part of this club means embracing shared history, amplifying your voice, and fostering a sense of community and dignity. I am proud to be part of such an inspiring and empowering organization.”
The culmination of Black History Month was the talent show, hosted by BHC. SHS students with a talent they wanted to share could audition to be a part of the show. Talents ranged from singing to dancing to even blowing an air horn while wearing a tuxedo. Three prizes were given out for the three performers who judges thought exemplified the most talent and hard work. Third place went to Jayla Littlejohn (12) for a beautiful performance of John Legend’s song “All of Me;” second place went to Ka’Neshia Jeter (11) for her unique and masterful rendition of “Stand Up” by Cynthia Erivo; and the first place crown was awarded to Savannah McCray (12) for her powerful reading of Theresa Tha Songbird’s poem “You So Black.”
“The poem I performed was written by an amazing poet named Theresa Tha Songbird. I chose to recite her poem because it is one of my favorite spoken pieces, and I felt like it encapsulated my resignations of Black History month,” said McCray. “I do write my own poetry; however, I chose not to recite one of my own poems because I wanted other people to experience the poem in the way that I had.”
Sherrina Black is an AVID math teacher and a co-adviser for the Black History Club, along with Meredith Burroughs. Both Burroughs and Black have gone above and beyond to shine light on Black history and culture, all while keeping students at the center of their club.
“Being a co-adviser for the SHS Black History Club is more than a role to me; it’s a journey filled with passion and purpose. My heartfelt commitment to highlighting black culture to adolescents and making a positive impact on our youth warms my heart,” Black said. “Seeing the BHM Talent Show come to life makes all the hard work worth it because, ultimately, it’s all for the kids. In our Black History Club family, the bonds we’ve formed go beyond adviser-student relationships; they are genuine connections rooted in shared values and a collective mission.”
