Valley Stream students discuss prominent figures for Black History Month

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Students at Central High School spoke about prominent black figures as part of Black History Month on Feb. 17, and detailed why their chosen profiles were noteworthy.

Misty Copeland, Nat Turner, Michelle Obama and Ella Fitzgerald were among some of the selected profiles, and many students chose people who they related to in some way.

Kierra Finn, who is a writer, said she chose Maya Angelou.

“Angelou’s poetry and overall bravado have undoubtedly elevated me as a contemplative young black female in writing,” Finn said.

Charles Emefield, a singer, studied Ella Fitzgerald.

“The reason why I picked her is because her music is typically very rhythmic and jazzy, and as some people may know, I sing,” he said. “So, I usually like to sing like that. It helps me get through, as some people would say, ‘my bag.’”

Jeannine Nwade delivered an exuberant recitation of “Harlem,” by Langston Hughes.

“I chose him because he completely embodies someone who took all his pain and turned it into a sweet and delicate work of poetry,” she said. “Instead of taking his fists, he took a pencil and so eloquently sculpted a poem about what he dreamed of for the future. Equality, freedom and love.”