On Thursday, Feb 26, Manual hosted the annual Black History Month program. This was the first year Adia Norris (Social Studies) spearheaded the program and came up with the theme: “Black to the Future.” 

The program opened up with an exciting performance by the Manual drum line and the Dreamers, Manual’s majorette team, getting the crowd prepared for an engaging show. 

To settle the crowd back down, Aaron Wornor (11, HSU) presented a powerful speech with some background on the program and Afrofuturism, which was one of the biggest inspirations for the theme.

The crowd was asked to stand for the Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” which the Crimson Chords sang.

Emmanuel Matsekeza (11, MST) then spoke about ‘Black history in motion’ in an original work, “Perspective.” 

Next, keeping the calm pace of the show, Prefina Mberi (9, YPAS) sang an angelic rendition of “Rise Up” by Andra Day. The crowd was drawn in by her voice, cheering when she hit an impressive note. 

The cheer of the crowd lulled as Dartanya Hill (11, J&C) recited an original poem, “The Benediction,” exploring the young generation of Black men forced to grow up in systems that are not for them: systems in place for failure. Students hummed and snapped between verses, letting the poem resonate with them. 

Kahliyah Bibb (10, YPAS) played “Twenty Four Negro Melodies at Dawn of Day” on the piano as a tribute to Tamara Patterson, a JCPS Elementary school teacher and Kentucky Education Association’s ethnic minority director,  who passed away in 2023. Bibb played soulfully, drawing in the crowd as a slideshow flipped through pictures of Patterson.

Cristian Evans (12, HSU) empowered the audience with a tale of Black excellence. His original work, “The Result” highlighted the roots of Black people in America, calling himself the result of Black history. 

Another musician, Madison Victor (10, YPAS), took the stage and sang “Still I Rise,” while playing the piano. Victor sang and played beautifully, displaying her talents as both a pianist and a singer. The crowd was emotional as Victor sang passionately. 

Possibly the most anticipated act of the program was the return of the Kentucky state champions: Atkinson Elementary School’s Step Team. This year, they charmed the audience with a performance parody of “Toy Story.” The team had costumes, confidence and the entire audience engaged, nodding to the music and shouting out when there was an impressive step. 

Following the incredible performance, with the audience still excited, Norris came out to share some remarks about the program and Black History Month. She describes Black History as not seasonal but a necessary part of everyday life. 

Matsekeza and Evans returned together, on opposite sides of the stage, reading together a historical piece, “I am Black History.” Evans speaks of Black futures and looking back on your ancestry, accomplishing what they did not get a chance to. Matsekeza speaks of Black individuals’ pasts and people who have built the future Evans is speaking of.