BSU, AAPAC, and NAACP collaborate during Black History Month

With Black History Month coming to an end, the African American Parent Advisory Council (AAPAC) and the Black Student Union (BSU) collaborated to properly celebrate Black History Month with a night full of festivities and pride. At the celebration, the keynote speakers was Freddie Davis, president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Hayward chapter.

“We are kings and queens. We need to hold our heads high and show our crowns,” said Davis.

Senior Etavion Carrol covered multiple popular songs on the piano. Assistant principals Patrinia Redd and Yvonna Rogers opened the night and made acknowledgements. After that, the attendees all sang the Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” led by Bianca Greer, Grace-Lynn Bridges, and Jordan Coleman. Poems were read by Greer, Bridges, Marbella Daniel, Chantenese Wartel, Mary Aina, Chidera Abiakam, Aryca Warren, and Layne Johnson.

Davis spoke about the importance of the NAACP and her own personal history. She recalled how she marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as a teenager and faced dogs, guns, water hoses, and prison. She also voiced her appreciation for President John F. Kennedy and his contributions to the civil rights movement.

“Anytime you need the NAACP, just call us. If you need us, we are here. Even if you don’t need us, we are still here,” said Davis.

The event was a great way to close out Black History Month.