Saturday, November 7, 2026
California Avenue School students, faculty, and families joined together Friday morning to honor Black History Month with a powerful celebration of Black excellence, culture, and education.
The Feb. 28 event highlighted the legacy of historically Black colleges and universities and showcased student performances through music, dance, spoken word, and theater.
The program featured a diverse lineup, including a theatrical production titled Black Excellence: A Legacy of Greatness, a duet of Lift Every Voice, and energetic performances by the school’s cheerleaders, chorus, band, and step team. A special pre-K rendition of The World Is a Rainbow set the tone for a day filled with unity and pride.
For many, the celebration was not just a performance but also a learning experience. Nadra Lipka, a special education teacher and one of the event organizers, emphasized the importance of preserving Black history and making it accessible to students.
“Black history is not just about Black people or those from Africa,” Lipka said. “It’s world history. Growing up, I did not feel empowered as a Black female, but as an educator, because I prized myself on learning, now I am empowered. It’s not just about slavery; it’s the resilience that came with it.”
Fellow organizer and special education teacher Keturah Lee echoed this sentiment, underscoring the significance of teaching history through art.
“It’s about knowledge, power, strength, and resilience,” Lee said. “The students are learning, but they’re learning through dance, music, and performance — without having to open a textbook. Sometimes, the truth isn’t even in the textbooks, so it’s up to us to make sure they experience history firsthand.”
For Lee, the event was a deeply emotional moment.
“I woke up at 3:30 this morning, super anxious, but it was all worth it,” she said. “Seeing how the students, parents, teachers, and administration received this — it was exactly what we wanted. It was a masterpiece.”
The event also ignited interest in Historically Black Colleges and Universities among students. Many walked away with a deeper appreciation for these institutions and their impact on Black leadership and success.
Dylan Pickett, a student performer, said the celebration reinforced his decision to attend an HBCU.
“Yes, I want to go to Howard University,” he said. “A lot of successful people went there. When they said so many athletes walked those halls, I knew I wanted to be one of them too.”
Naomi Arevalo, an elementary student, shared a similar perspective.
“I always knew about HBCUs, but this event inspired me even more,” she said. “If influential people could go there, all the kids here can too.”
Beyond the performances and historical lessons, the celebration was a testament to the strength and vibrancy of Black culture. Students envisioned what future Black History Month events could look like, emphasizing music, dance, and community engagement.
“I’d like to see everyone gathered together with all Black music — hip-hop, soul, jazz —just a big party,” Pickett said. “With steppers, dancers, and cheerleaders doing all Black dances and singing songs.”
From the youngest pre-K singers to student actors and step team members, the event was a powerful reminder of the importance of education, representation, and cultural pride.
“This was about more than just a performance,” Lipka said. “It was about making sure our students feel empowered, educated, and proud of who they are.”
