As members of BSU opened with a choir performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” students gathered in the courtyard for the start of the Black Arts Festival.
BSU organized the Black Arts Festival March 4 to celebrate Black culture and highlight the artistic talents of Black students across Archer. The event created a space for students to share communal and individual experiences through poetry, music and dance. BSU Executive Board Member Selam Habtu (’28) said the festival was inspired by a similar event the club held in 2023.
“The Arts Festival back in 2023 was such a hit. We had step dances, poetry, choir and even someone rapping,” Habtu said. “Everyone really enjoyed performing, so we wanted to bring it back this year.”
Following the opening choir, middle schoolers performed a hip-hop dance choreographed by seniors. The performance then transitioned into poems by three students before three orchestra members closed with the melody of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
Poetry was also a significant part of the festival. Freshman Ava Lucas shared an original piece emphasizing pride and community, repeating lines such as “My hair, my community, my people” and “We stand together.” Freshman Nina Norwood explored feelings of belonging, while eighth grader Isioma Onugha presented “Southern Gothic,“ which reflects on cultural experiences.
BSU adviser Sala Bandele-Jackson said the poetry portion of the event was particularly meaningful to her. Lucas and Norwood’s poems were drawn from their personal experiences, which made them even more impactful to her.
“Some students don’t always feel comfortable speaking in front of large groups,” Bandele-Jackson said. “Seeing them share something so personal with the community was really powerful.”
Guidance counselor Susan McGuire, who is new to Archer this year, said the festival offered her a unique way to experience the school’s culture.
“It is so fun and beautiful to see,” McGuire said. “They were being vulnerable and honest — it was amazing. It brought me to tears.”
Organizing the festival required significant planning, Habtu said. The BSU executive board coordinated sign-ups, rehearsals and communication with performers.
“It was mainly scheduling and making sure everyone knew when they were supposed to practice,” Habtu said. “We wanted to showcase different talents and make sure everyone could participate comfortably.”
The festival concluded with a line-dancing segment led by BSU Executive Board Member Alexa Grant (’26). Students, teachers and attendees danced to songs like the “Electric Slide” and “Flex.”
“That’s when the Archer community was really participating with us instead of just watching,” Habtu said. “I loved getting everyone involved in it.”
Despite busy schedules and delaying factors — including spirit week, theater rehearsals and other activities — BSU and Bandele-Jackson said they were able to bring the festival to life. For many, the event was a chance to celebrate creativity and experience Black culture vibrantly and engagingly, McGuire said.
“Our world is incredibly divisive, but there’s more that connects us than divides us,” Bandele-Jackson said. “This is a way to see, appreciate and be a part of one community, even with all our differences.”
