Black Essence Club hosts student-led Black History Month event

On Thursday, February 12, 2026, the Black Essence Club hosted a student-led Black History Month event for the Ursuline community, bringing together students, faculty, and staff for a schoolwide program centered on performance and creative expression. 

Students stepped away from their regular classes to gather for a program designed and led entirely by club members. The morning opened with Maya Joseph '26 singing the Black National Anthem, setting a reflective tone for the assembly. Savannah Minter '27 followed with a recitation of "Still I Rise" by Maya Angelou, her delivery grounding the program in strength and resilience. A violin solo by Japhia Alexander '30 added a contemplative interlude, while Hannah Tang '27 brought energy and emotion to the stage with her performance of "Home" from The Wiz. 

The program reflected a deliberate shift in approach. Club co-presidents Imani Harris '26 and Ilyasah Odindo '26 developed the concept after reflecting on feedback from previous Black History Month programming, noting that students connected most strongly when they saw their peers on stage. "That led us to create a program centered on student participation that would be engaging and meaningful," Imani said.

Rather than inviting outside speakers, club members chose to focus on the arts as a vehicle for expression. "We wanted the takeaway to be an appreciation for the many contributions Black people of all diasporas have made in the arts," Ilyasah said.

Planning began in October, with club members meeting weekly to brainstorm ideas and shape the program collaboratively. Leaders gathered suggestions from across the club and ensured that students who wished to participate had the opportunity to do so. Dance became a central element of both rehearsals and the final program, allowing students space to contribute their own creativity and perspective.

The Black Essence Club was supported throughout the process by co-moderators Mrs. Doretha Buster, Mrs. Jenne Griffith, and Ms. Jenifer Jules, who worked alongside students to coordinate logistics, while allowing the creative direction to remain student-led.

Founded in 1973 by eight African American students, the Black Essence Club is now in its 52nd year and remains the oldest club at Ursuline. Over five decades, the club has highlighted the accomplishments of African Americans, supported scholarships for Black students, and fostered a space where students feel seen and affirmed.

The event reflected that legacy while underscoring the school's broader commitment to student leadership. By pausing the academic day to elevate student voice, the Ursuline community gathered not only to mark Black History Month but to witness how creativity, trust, and collaboration can bring a community together in meaningful ways.