With an eye toward change, BSU members plan the Black History Month Assembly
By: Junior Izak Zeller and Freshman Sofia Ball
Draft #1:
Black Student Union members gather around co-presidents Rah’ki Walker and Comfort Adegoke. The cacophony of ideas echo throughout the room, kicking off the planning process for the Black History Month assembly. - really focus on this moment, hook the reader with more visuals/human connection
“It’s fun to plan this assembly especially this year because I get to be on the exec board,” BSU Recruiter Maliyah Williams said. “To see how it is planned and how rehearsal’s for the assembly are brought together is just a really fun experience.”- Quote doesn't flow well/adds little to the story. This article is about the group as a whole - important to have quotes that reflect/apply to the group
Black Student Union members reached out to various students who were eager to participate in what Adegoke called a “sort of a talent show” to display and educate the student body about black culture.- Long sentence - break into two would help flow.
“We’ll find people who like to rap, sing or dance and see if they’re interested in being apart of the assembly,” Walker said. “Then we’ll usually ask them to reach out to like their friends.”- reformat quote/doesnt flow well
Black Student Union (BSU) has even come up with some new ideas of what could be showcased in the Black History Month assembly.- section should be below the section where what they have featured in pervious years
“This year we’ll be doing a fashion show,” Walker said. “So we’ll have people from backgrounds such as African Americans or West Africans showing off their cultural attire.”
The assembly includes a black owned business segment as well as interactives and platforms for students to share their experiences, writing, etc.- what is the "etc?" remember to "get the dogs name."
This year BSU has even pushed towards making the Black History Month assembly optional for students. - reword, "pushed towards = wrong verbage
“We feel like making it optional will also make it a better environment.” Walker said. “I know previous years we got backlash [for putting on the assembly]. When people willingly sign up to come you’re more willing to present, it just makes it more fun.”
Aside from wanting a large crowd of students to attend this year’s assembly, with wide eyes and high hopes, BSU hopes that students get a better understanding of the versatility of black culture.- rewrite - they want students who are there to not only leran, but celebrate Black Culture.
“I think since our school is predominantly white we don’t really do anything to represent black culture or educate students about it, besides brushing over it through stories in English class,” Walker said. “Which is why I think the Black History Month assembly is a great way to showcase Black culture and be more inclusive towards members of our school. I think it’s also such a comforting thing where you’re able to express your culture freely and just be who you are.” - Great Quote!
Final Draft:
Black Student Union (BSU) members gathered around co-presidents Rah’ki Walker and Comfort Adegoke. The planning process for the Black History Month Assembly had just kicked off.
Questions rang out from the members of the group.
What games should we play?
What students should we feature? Musicians? Poets? Business owners?
What should we have for the spirit days?
How can we get more students involved?
BSU reached out to a variety of students who were eager to participate in what Adegoke called a “sort of a talent show.” They hoped to display and educate the student body about Black Culture.
“We want to find people who like to rap, sing or dance,” Walker said. “If they’re interested in being part of the assembly, we’ll usually ask them to reach out to their friends [as well].”
This year, the assembly will include a segment about Black-student-owned businesses. BSU hopes to create a platform for students to share their experiences, writing, and other talents. In addition, they worked to introduce something new to Black History Month Assembly.
“This year we’ll be doing a fashion show,” Walker said. “We’ll have people from different backgrounds, such as African American or West African, show off their cultural attire.”
BSU asked administrators to allow students to choose whether to attend the Black History Month Assembly. In the past, a few students have been disrespectful during the assembly.
“We feel like making [the assembly] optional will make it a better environment,” Walker said. “I know in previous years we got backlash. When people willingly sign up to come, they’re more willing to be more present. It just makes it more fun.”
BSU members hope a large number of students who are willing to come celebrate Black Culture and lend support opt to attend.
“Since our school is predominantly white, we don’t really do anything to represent Black Culture or educate students about it,” Walker said. “[This is] why the Black History Month Assembly is great. It is a way to showcase Black Culture and [for members of the NW community to be] more inclusive. It’s also such a comforting thing when you’re able to express your culture freely and just be who you are.”
The Black History Month Assembly will take place on February 21 during seminar.
photo by: Kara Simpson
Caption:
Speaking in front of students, senior Rha’ki Walker talks about the upcoming Black Student Union (BSU) assembly Jan. 19 in Room 130. Walker is one of the co-presidents for the BSU. “[BSU] is the first club I’ve ever run,” Walker said. “It’s really fun to lead because everyone there has a fun and positive attitude.”