SUA ANNUAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION

Girls involved in the Saint Ursula Academy Afro Club worked together as a union to make this happen. Photo Courtesy of Mya Watson. 

By: Mya Watson ‘24

On Friday, February 23, 2024 Saint Ursula Academy Afro-Club presented their annual Black History Month Celebration.

The presentation focused on topics such as Social Movements, Education, STEM, Fashion and Entertainment. Each of these topics expressed the contribution of Black women in the community and the impact of Black culture on the society. Featuring Guest speaker: Alayna Bouie, piano performance by Grace Fitzgerald, and a dance performance by the Afro-Club. 

“I think that was the first time I was utterly blown away,” states Afro-Club moderator, Mr. Hicks. 

Members of the Saint Ursula Afro-Club express that so much goes into the planning of this annual presentation. Timing is such a major factor for their planning so instead of waiting until the last minute they start at least four months before the presentation. After school resumes in January, there are meetings held during lunch/seminar everyday up until the day of the presentation, followed by a number of meetings after school. 

Dance choreographed by Saint Ursula Sophomore, Shanice Achaleke. Photo Courtesy of Mya Watson. 

“Even though my journey is coming to an end, SUA’s Afro-Club will forever be one of my favorite memories of high school,” says Saint Ursula Senior Sydney Williams. 

This year as the Black History Month Celebration came to an end, a number of the students were relieved while others were faced with a wave of sadness. The senior participants specifically began to reflect on the friendships formed and memories made throughout their time as a member of the Afro-Club. 

“I'm especially thankful to have worked with such a wonderful co-president beside me, Terri Gullatt, and to our moderator, Mr. Hicks, who keeps us on track,” states Afro-Club President, Maya Fitzgerald.

The Saint Ursula Afro Club is a community of students that work together to spread the knowledge of the lives of the black students in the SUA community, as well as the lives of black people in other communities. The main focus of the Afro club is service, more specifically through helping and informing others.

“It is important for me personally to help students learn to appreciate themselves, their heritage, and where they come from,” says Mr. Hicks. 

Meetings are held every other Thursday from 3:15 to 4:15 in the Choral room. Everyone is welcome to attend!