The stage was low as Ballard high school’s Mr. Jerome Beasley and student NeNe Hale opened the Ballard Black culture showcase by singing “Lift every voice and sing,” a song widely recognized as the “black national anthem”
The lights dimmed and a group of performers sang an powerful cover of “Stand up” from the movie Harriet
After the performance, a few of the event’s hosts, Amaya Cramer and Savion Dailey introduced themselves and officially introduced the event.
Throughout the event, a few awards were handed out to African American leaders who made an impact, on both the national and local levels. A few of these awards were the Foundation award, handed to Lewis Latimer, a black inventor who made major improvements to the light bulb. The strength and courage award, handed to Mamie Till-Mobley, mother of lynching victim, Emmet Till. The Miss Hinkle-Jones community impact award going to Ballard high school’s Dr Bernard for his contributions to academic excellence and his impact at Ballard
Between awards were many various performances such as Savion Dailey’s heartfelt performance of “Pass me not, oh gentle savior” a spiritual hymn, as well as Morgan Jackson singing “Be Free” By J Cole as a gut wrenching video of police brutality plays on the screen.
NeNe Hale returns to the stage to sing a passionate rendition of Andra Day’s “Rise Up”
“Know what sparks the light in you so that you, in your own way, can Illuminate the world,” a quote from Oprah Winfrey that’s informs us that you’re unique qualities and traits can truly change the world.
Aside from Musical performances, Jaymeshia Murphy and Kennedy Gatewood shared the stage to talk about Black Wall Street and the challenges black people faced and how they continue to face them in today’s America.
The final performance was by Ballard musical group B7 featuring Devan Mott, Jordan Hammond, Savion Dailey, Amaya Cramer and others. They sang songs like “Heaven can Wait” and by Michael Jackson and “Poison” by Bell Biv Devoe.
The event ended with an emotional bow from all the performers and hosts and heartwarming final remarks. Savion Dailey took a moment to thank Mr. Smith, a beloved staff member at Ballard High School. This not just showcased Black Culture but embodied it. “Know what sparks the light in you so that you, in your own way, can Illuminate the world,” a quote from Oprah Winfrey, shown on the screen, can perfectly describe the essence of this event.
