The Black Student Union (BSU) hosted its Black History Month (BHM) spirit week with themed days and activities at lunch this past week. Ranging from musical chairs to throwback fashion, the week celebrated various aspects of Black culture.
Monday: Sunday Best + Musical Chairs
Monday kicked off the week with musical chairs during lunch in the G-Wing. The music started at a low volume at the beginning and got louder, resulting in people moving faster around the chairs. Due to students attempting to anticipate when the music was going to stop, the game was intense and fun.
For Monday’s Sunday best theme, students dressed up in their best attire. Freshman Lela Eaton decided to wear her Sunday best outfit. Her outfit consisted of a white dress with scattered pink flowers and a white cover-up. “I love having days to dress up so I don’t have to think about my own outfits,” Eaton said.
Principal Karl Losekoot participated in Monday’s theme, playing musical chairs and dressing up in his Sunday best outfit, a suit. Even though Losekoot doesn’t wear suits often, he decided today was the perfect day to give it some air. “I’m glad we’re out here having fun with students and celebrating Black History Month,” he said.
Tuesday: Favorite Celebrity/Character + Family Feud
On Tuesday, the theme was to dress as your favorite celebrity or character. For Tuesday’s game, BSU played Family Feud in F-18. It was short, but fun, with the teams and everyone doing their best to play along and win. “It was really, really energetic—a lot of yelling, but at the same time a lot of fun. People were really happy, especially the winners,” BSU President and junior Ashley Mobley said.
Wednesday: Jersey Day + Charades
For Wednesday’s game, students played charades in F-18, acting out fun cards of different subjects with their bodies. They quickly shouted out their best answers with excitement. Students sported jerseys for Wednesday’s theme.
During BHM Spirit Week, BSU hoped to promote itself. “The Black Student Union creates a safe space for leadership, growth, and community,” BSU Vice-President and junior Angelica Whitted said.
Thursday: Throwback Day + Guess the Tune
Students dressed up in fashion from the ’90s and ’00s for Throwback Day. During lunch, BSU played Guess the Tune. Throughout lunch, people were laughing, jumping up, singing, and dancing along with others and the music. “It was definitely a little unorderly, but it was fun because it was unorderly and the energy was really high. I think everyone had a lot of fun,” Mobley said.
“I think the most important thing with this week is celebrating Black History Month—obviously for its purpose in serving and not forgetting the effort and work Black people have put in this country—but also I think there’s a place for Black joy. Black joy is in itself the essence of blackness,” Mobley said.
“I dress up in 2000’s culture on a regular basis, but I think it was the most influential decade for fashion. But more importantly, especially Black culture in the 2000s, and I think that’s really resonated with a lot of teens nowadays of any race,” Mobley said.
“I’m dressed up in 1990s and 2000s culture, which I think is very derived from Black culture and Black styles,” junior Aliyah Bizle said.
Friday: Pan-African American/African Flag Colors + Board Games
On Friday, there was a change of plans, and instead of going outdoors to play frisbee, BSU met up in F-18 to have fun and play board games together. They spent most of the time playing Headbandz and guessing what image they had above their head. There was a variety of small snacks for everyone, including nachos, bags of chips, cookies, and more.
The spirit theme was the Pan-African and African-American flag colors. Junior Aniyah Paralre wore a black shirt and matching black pants, a warm green sweater, and put red and green paint on her cheeks to match the colors of the flag. “I think it’s very important that we have people in the area where they feel welcome,” Paralre said.
