On February 28, the Black Student Union (BSU) hosted its annual Black History Month showcase, featuring powerful performances in music, dance, fashion and more. The event celebrated the richness of Black culture, highlighting its creativity, artistic expression, and diverse traditions.

Within just one month, BSU set up such an informational display of Black excellence with the hope that students and teachers can not only be entertained, but learn from the showcase.

This year’s showcase focused on the popular cultures of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), educating audiences on their historical achievements, organizations, and iconic marching bands. Through this celebration, BSU encouraged students to become part of a community where they could feel comfortable sharing common experiences and experience a sense of belonging. Performances from the choir and dance department further exemplified the diversity of Black culture.

“I was excited to see the hard work that really paid off over these months and for everybody to see what we’ve been doing,” said Uchenna Oluku ‘25.

HBCU: Homecoming
HBCUs, the theme of this year’s showcase, are symbols of Black history, resilience, and creativity. Here at Edison High, the BSU group annually advocates for access to equal and accessible education— a long-fought situation in broader American society.

HBCUs are unique for their school spirit homecoming, a time where students of all levels come together for a week to experience events including sports, rallies, and dance programs. Most prominent is the fashion displayed during homecoming, through events where creators get to display their designs and creations.

The EHS showcase similarly incorporated a fashion show to highlight themed outfits for HBCU homecoming. Student models took the stage in pairs, highlighting their outfits with unique poses that showed off their tops, jeans, and graphic shirts. Joshua Boateng ’26 and Zhari Knight ’25, who posed together in the middle of the stage with their accessories, showing their chains and rings. Others displayed their unique hairstyles of braids and twists, highlighting the versatile hairstyles of black communities.

“I really liked the fashion show. It was very interactive, and I loved how they walked with confidence,” said Irene Choe ‘27, an audience member.

HBCU: Majorette
Another factor that makes HBCUs so special is their dance teams. Known as Majorette, this style of dance is a mix of dancing and baton work. Dancers incorporate movements such as hip hop as well as ballet, such as stomping and clapping. Dancers move to the groove of the music which hypes and boosts the confidence of their college sport teams.

The EHS Diamond Team displayed some of these steps and rhythms with their hands and feet during the showcase. Choreographed by Ms. Vicki Jenkins, the EHS Dance Team performed their own routine with the song “Talkin’ Out Da Side Of Ya Neck,” which showcased dance moves similar to those at HBCU football games, ending the showcase with an interactive swag and surf that got the audience up and moving.

“Moments like this remind me why I love participating and being an active member in this club,” said Syesha Fraser ‘26. “While it took a tremendous amount of work and dedication to make this body of work come into fruition, the memories created make it worthwhile,” said Fraser.

The Black Student Union thanked Jenkins, Ms. Charese Johnson, Ms. Jensen Johnson, Ms. Christina Rusk, and Mr. Andrew Jaworski for their support in ensuring the showcase went smoothly and effortlessly.