Children of different cultures recently came together to celebrate Black History Month at Northwest Elementary School. The evening program, organized by teachers Sandra James and Jessica Ferguson, featured numerous songs and skits.

Parents and family members filled the gymnasium for the event, “Celebrating Black Excellence: Then and Now.” Students highlighted the civil rights era and spoke about activists Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Ruby Bridges and Rosa Parks. With a depiction of the Lincoln Memorial serving as the backdrop, one student shared a portion of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream Speech.”

A performance on the Motown era featured a tribute to Michael Jackson and Diana Ross that had the crowd cheering. Famous African-American athletes were portrayed by students, including Jackie Robinson, Venus Williams, Serena Williams, Michael Jordan and Gabby Douglas. The evening closed with recognition of Barack Obama and Michelle Obama.

The Select Chorus performed various songs throughout the evening such as “Amazing Grace” and “Scat Like That.” Teachers and students also came together for “Kwanzaa Time,” a celebration of African fashion.