Uniondale Celebrates Black History Month with an Evening of Dance

     The Uniondale School District celebrated Black History Month on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 with "An Evening of Dance: Dances of the African Diaspora." 

     Uniondale scholars, staff and performers told the story of the history of Africans in the Americas through dance, speeches, poetry and song. The Uniondale "Rhythm of the Knight" Show Choir opened the evening with a rousing rendition of "Lift Every Voice and Sing," a song of hope that is also known as the Negro National Anthem, with words by famed Black writer and activist James Weldon Johnson. 

     Mrs. Janine Bradley, assistant principal at Uniondale High School, served as the evening’s mistress of ceremony. She kept the crowd moving as Uniondale students from elementary to high school spoke about how dance has been used to celebrate the joys of life and how the improvisational style of many dances of the new world built on the cultural traditions of West Africa.

     Attendees were treated to performances from groups such as Danse Xpressions, Imani Dance, Nubian Gents and Feminine Fire as well as West African drumming and dance from the Ifetayo Dance Ensemble. The evening ended with a communal dance led by Dr. Bilal Polson, principal of Northern Parkway Elementary School.

     This event also featured an "African marketplace" where attendees could shop and support local businesses.  

     Uniondale Schools Superintendent Dr. Monique Darrisaw-Akil thanked the community for supporting these types of cultural events and reminded attendees to celebrate Black history every day.   This event also featured an "African marketplace" where attendees could shop and support local businesses.