St. Agnes Academy’s Black History Assembly

The St. Agnes seniors who put on the assembly. Evangeline Carson (in blue) donning the VOBY club shirt that reads "Choose Love and Stay Woke."

With many race-based discussions happening within this month of February all over social media, in homes and in schools, the students of St. Agnes decided to add to the conversation. As students filed into the auditorium, they were welcomed by the soulful sounds of Kendrick Lamar. After everyone quieted, as a student, faculty, staff and parent body we sang the Black National Anthem.

Through the kind words spoken by Ashley Bennett, our Voices of Black Youth (VOBY) sponsor, and by all of the members of VOBY, warmly welcomed some of the first African-American alumnae from St. Agnes. Kendall Hollingsworth recalls the assembly having a tone “of unity.” With that tone set Hollingsworth said the focus of the assembly was to “enlighten and educate” the school on what us black girls face on a daily basis.  

The assembly went on to show multiple videos produced and directed by students that relayed to our theme of “Choose Love and Stay Woke.” VOBY President, Amani Henry, gave a powerful and heartfelt keynote speech that had some of our visitors in tears. Throughout her speech she received affirmations of claps and snaps from all who were in the auditorium, and once she finished, she received a standing ovation.

The senior panelists answering hard-hitting questions from fellow students. 

The program moved on to a segment called “I’m Black but I’m not…” where all the African- American seniors finished the saying and followed it by a positive affirmations following the phrase “I’m Black but I am…” It is Kendall’s hopes that the senior skit “resonated the most with the girls.” Though at the same time, VOBY felt the need to address questions that are often brought to their attention. A panel made up of seniors answered questions given to them by the students in the Healing Racism class.

Two students, Ngozi Nwosu and Catherine Buthod, individually read their poems. Catherine read her poem titled “Little White Lies” addressing the issue of white privilege that she too benefits from. While Ngozi’s poem titled “You over There with the Dark Skin” where she spoke to darker skinned girls about finding beauty within themselves. To top off the Black History Assembly, our St. Agnes Step Team directed by Chelsea Okoroafor and Morgan Goldsmith commanded the stage and brought cheers and smiles to an assembly that was in need of a light-hearted moment.

 All in all, the Black History Assembly was another step in the right direction towards putting St. Agnes women out in the world to combat the prominent social justice issues within our world. Henry’s biggest takeaway from assembly was how she needs to be “ready for honest-open dialogue” when it comes to talking through the injustices people of color face.