This year’s celebrations of Black History Month are focusing on the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural movement from the 1920s and 30s when African American music, art, and literature prospered in New York’s Harlem neighborhood. Mr. Daymyne Layne, director of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), said, “The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural awakening—during this era, Harlem exploded with musical, educational, and art influences. It is essential to broaden students’ awareness beyond the conventional narratives when they think of Black history.” 

In All-School Meeting on January 30, Abi Kizza ’25 and Gabriella Mensah ’25 introduced the month’s activities, which will include an all-school speaker, the Black Link of Independent School Summit (BLISS) Conference, a pie feed, and a gallery exhibition by Black students.

The pie feed, hosted by the Black and Hispanic Student Association (BaHSA), took place February 16. Chris Mitchell ’24, head of BaHSA, said, “While our culinary heritage is important, we also wanted to emphasize the idea of community through this event. Sitting around and eating food we all love is a great way to bring everyone together.” 

The BLISS conference, held on February 18, was attended by four other schools. Organizer Lily Yawand-Wossen ’24 said, “The BLISS Conference’s goal is to create a sense of community and support among Black students across different boarding schools in a place that was not built for people like us.” 

The month’s programming will conclude with several events in the final week of February. Dr. Nicholas Gaffney, assistant professor of history at the United States Naval Academy, will give an all-school talk entitled “A Tale of Two Harlems” on February 27. The following days will feature a trivia night organized by BaHSA; a culinary workshop with Mr. Mike Webster, director of dining services; and a performance by student band Black History Month Stride Jazz Trio on February 29. 

These events, with the exception of the BLISS Conference, are open to all students, regardless of racial background. BLISS is an affinity space.