On February 28th, the Black Student Union (BSU) will present a dynamic Black History Month celebration at STEAM. Organized and produced by BSU members, the event will highlight Black fashion, African culture, and historical contributions through an engaging showcase of creativity and heritage.
The celebration will feature a fashion show that traces the evolution of Black style across decades, an African-inspired dance performance paying homage to cultural traditions, and a short film exploring Black history. Additionally, a special segment will recognize the legacy of Black sororities in Kentucky, including Alpha Kappa Alpha and Alpha Beta Sigma, and their contributions to leadership, education, and activism.
BSU members are determined to send a powerful message about embracing and expressing their heritage without being silenced. “We need to showcase Black achievement more at STEAM as a whole,” said BSU member David.
Fashion Show: A Walk Through the Decades
Fashion has long been a powerful form of expression in African American culture, symbolizing resilience, creativity, and identity. BSU’s fashion show, led by Saveyah, will highlight the iconic styles of various eras, demonstrating how Black fashion has influenced mainstream trends over time.
“I wanted to create this fashion show to showcase all of the different styles that African Americans have worn over time and to inform others of the impact they had,” said Saveyah.
From traditional African garments to the styles of the Harlem Renaissance, the disco-funk era, and modern streetwear, the show will offer a visual journey through history, celebrating the significance of fashion as a cultural statement.
Bringing Culture to the Stage
Dance has always been an essential form of storytelling in African and African American traditions. BSU members will perform choreography inspired by traditional African dance styles, highlighting movement as a way to connect with heritage and community.
Jennifer shared insight into the significance of African dance, explaining that many movements are influenced by nature, often imitating animals or the surroundings of early African civilizations. She and Aryn collaborated to choreograph a performance that embodies these elements. “Even though African Americans were born here, they still have a background in African culture, so we chose African dances to represent that we still have a home in Africa,” Jennifer explained.
A Vision of Unity
BSU members Mary and David worked together to produce a short film centered on unity and inclusivity at STEAM. Their goal is to challenge the misconception that Black History Month is exclusive, instead encouraging everyone to celebrate their own heritage while immersing themselves in the diverse cultural experiences around them.
“In this video, we show unity, nondiscrimination, and togetherness—no matter what race we are,” Mary and David stated.
Honoring Black Sororities in Kentucky
A key highlight of the event is a segment dedicated to the impact of Black sororities in Kentucky. These organizations have played a major role in fostering education, leadership, and activism for generations, paving the way for future Black leaders. The presentation will honor their influence and ongoing contributions to community empowerment and social change.
A Growing Legacy
BSU members Saveyah, Mary, David, Aryn, Jennifer, Joel, Keayden, Zaciah, Niyah, Precious, and others have worked tirelessly to organize this event, aiming to establish a lasting presence for BSU at STEAM.
Through fashion, dance, and storytelling, they hope to not only celebrate Black history but also foster inclusivity, cultural pride, and greater awareness within the school community. Their vision is to create an environment where Black students feel represented and empowered while inspiring others to appreciate and celebrate diverse cultures.
This Black History Month, BSU invites everyone to join in the celebration—an evening of history, creativity, and unity that promises to leave a lasting impact.
