As February comes to a close, we are grateful for the opportunities to reflect on the rich history and culture of the black community. Despite its designated month of celebration, Black History Month serves as a reminder of the importance of appreciating and celebrating the continuous impact of black culture every single day of the year.
At Ewing High School, Mercer Council’s ASYSST school-based youth services program has celebrated the month in style, displaying a number of door decorations that encourage the continuous celebration of black culture and ancestry. Read on to explore the various door designs, and to learn more about their keynote event celebrating the grand finale of Black History Month: Afro Arts Fest 2024!
BHM 365
Students walking into the ASYSST room have been greeted with the visual reminder throughout the month of February, of the importance of celebrating black history 365 days a year. It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and honoring the achievements, struggles and triumphs of black individuals throughout the year. This serves as a powerful reminder that history is not confined to a specific month; it is a living, breathing part of our daily lives.
Started from the Bottom…
…now we’re here! Another door leading to ASYSST offices celebrates the musical journey of African Americans – encapsulating a multi-generational history that has evolved from singing negro spirituals to achieving widespread recognition and success in the music industry. Perhaps the greatest reminder of these astounding accomplishments, Beyoncé currently holds the record for the most number of Grammy awards in history (32). With 88 total career nominations, she is also the most-nominated female artist in Grammy history. Special shoutout to Mercer Council Prevention Educator, Aliyah McRae for the decorative inspiration and design!
Elevating Mental Health Awareness
The last door decoration leading to another staff office involves a thoughtful compilation of resources addressing mental health awareness. This display offers vital information, statistics and infographics that shed light on the mental health history of the black community, and shares some powerful books written by black authors. ASYSST recognizes the importance of mental health awareness and aims to provide valuable resources that empower and inform students, fostering a strong and supportive environment for the Ewing High community.
Looking Ahead: Afro Arts Fest 2024!
Back for its second year, ASYSST’s Black Student Alliance club is thrilled to be hosting the upcoming event, Afro Arts Fest 2024. Free to the community and open to the public, this event will serve as the grand finale celebration of Black History Month. Afro Arts Fest promises an incredible experience, featuring dance performances and live music, cultural cuisine, business vendors, and more! We look forward to this opportunity to celebrate black culture and ancestry with such a vibrant celebration – and hope our community will join us as we celebrate! Click here to view the event page for Afro Arts Fest 2024.
Mercer Council and the ASYSST program are proud to celebrate black history and culture, not only during the month of February but throughout the year. We are grateful for opportunities to support and host activities and events that contribute to bringing our community together. We recognize that we are better when we are together, and that it takes all of us to create healthier, safer, and more responsible communities. We hope you will join us for Afro Arts Fest 2024, and continue celebrating Black History long after the month of celebration has ended! To learn more about the ASYSST program, please visit our website.
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