February brings more than just the end of winter; it marks the nationwide celebration of Black excellence and history. While there are countless ways to honor the contributions of Black Americans to our society, Florida High is gearing up for its most exciting showcase yet: the annual Building Incredible Generations (BIG) Black History Show.
This year, the Black History Show took place on Friday, Feb 13. Every year during the month of February, BIG pays tribute to the African Americans who helped shape the communities we know and love today. Without their contributions, innovation and unwavering resilience, our modern world would lack the cultural and structural foundation that defines us.
“Black History Month is a time to celebrate the accomplishments of African Americans. It’s important because throughout history, there has been a constant effort to erase or downplay those accomplishments,” BIG club sponsor Atiya Cornell said. “It’s a reminder that we are more than stereotypes and negative statistics. It allows us to come together and celebrate ourselves. It’s like an extended family reunion.”
Aiming to move beyond a single narrative, the event shines a spotlight on excellence and pride through a historical lens. It highlights the diverse nature of the Black community, showcasing that Black culture is anything but a monolith.
“The theme this year is the ‘Heart of Black Art’. It focuses on the creative side of our culture [through mediums] like painting, acting, singing and more,” BIG President Mya Williamson said. “It just shows where we came from and how far our ancestors have come, commemorating how they got us to the point where we can celebrate Black history at school.”
This show also strives to integrate students into the fascinating world of Black history, allowing them to show off their talents by researching and performing famous art pieces pioneered by African Americans.
“My favorite part of the Black history program is listening to the poems and songs by fellow classmates. I find it interesting to hear them in their natural element,” freshman Elise Howard said. “I want this to inspire people to believe in their roots. [I think it’s important] to look into where you came from and learn more about different cultures.”
For the performers and organizers of BIG, the show is just a piece of a much larger conversation and a much grander celebration of Black history that lights up the stage and continues long after the curtains close.
