BHA Celebrates Black History Month with Variety of Film-Themed Activities

On Professionals Night, Melissa Jean Mary talks about her daily routine as a fashion stylist. *Photo: Camille Lamour*

By CAMILLE LAMOUR

Throughout February, the Hive was buzzing with excitement as the Black Heritage Alliance (BHA) hosted a series of events to honor Black History Month and highlight the many contributions Black Americans have made to U.S. history and culture.

This year's lineup included a Battle of the Doors, Game Night, Film Evening, Teacher Scavenger Hunt, Professionals Night, and T-shirt Day. A common theme this year was the films and directors that have played a significant role in shaping Black cinema into what it has become today.

“Black History Month tends to always be about the same figures like Dr. King and Rosa Parks,” said social studies teacher Ms. Naphisa Jenkins. “What I enjoyed about the BHA’s perspective this year is that they were focusing on film, which is not something that is talked about enough.”

One of the most eye-catching traditions was the Battle of the Doors, a friendly competition where faculty decorated their rooms’ entrances with BHM themes. Some featured popular horror movies, such as Us and Candyman (directed by Jordan Peele and Nia DaCosta respectively) for Room 227. Others included authors and historical figures, turning the halls of the Hive into a colorful tribute to Black creativity.

On February 4, members of the BHA and other Hornets gathered together in the basement for Game Night, where learning and fun went hand in hand. Participants played Bingo, Family Feud, Jeopardy, and Taboo and were rewarded with pizza and snacks.

“It was an engaging experience filled with laughter, and it gave people an opportunity to learn more about Black actors and movie recommendations,” said Olivia Le Seur ‘27, secretary of the BHA, who hosted Family Feud.

Peyton Perez ‘28, a BHA club member, said, “Game Night helped me learn about shows and movies that I hadn’t heard of before,” adding that she also got to meet new people.

The following week, the BHA hosted its Film Evening on February 10 in room 245, featuring a screening of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

“Nothing is better than a Marvel movie,” said participant Andrianna Bell ‘27.

In the spirit of Valentine's Day, the BHA also organized a Teachers’ Scavenger Hunt with a “Black Love” theme on February 13, where faculty raced through the halls trying to match famous couples with the Black films they appeared in.

Teachers were greeted in the lobby by senior co-presidents Makayla Ofori and Joemi Quiroz Ortiz, who provided each department with a key sheet to begin the hunt.

The game began at each department’s AP’s office, where participants received their first hint related to a Black film. If guessed correctly, they’d receive a sticker of that couple and move on to the next location. Once all stickers were collected, teachers returned to the lobby to complete the challenge.

The first three winners received prizes: a love-themed picnic basket for first place, a Cheesecake Factory gift card for second, and movie tickets for third.

“It was like a workout!” said first place winner Ms. Jenkins, adding that it was a competitive yet friendly competition.

A Karaoke Night scheduled for February 24 had to be cancelled due to inclement weather, but the BHA was still able to end the month with a bang, hosting a Professionals Night on February 26 in the auditorium. The event featured two rounds of panelists, including a merchandising manager, registered nurse, fashion stylist, case manager, and many more, who spoke about their professions and answered a series of questions asked by Ofori and Ortiz.

Besides describing their jobs and career journeys, the panelists also offered advice: “Don't take yourself out of the race before you start it,” said Jalen A. Robinson, a political advisor, student mentor, and community specialist.

For Senmeri Angaza ‘27, the event was especially meaningful as it allowed her to gain insight into the profession she was interested in. “It was cool to see someone do exactly what I want to do and finally get an opinion on it,” she said.

By the end of the month, the BHA had successfully brought the Hive together through a series of fun, educational, and engaging events that honored the full and varied scope of Black history, culture, and achievement.

“Being Black is not a monolith,” said Ms. Jenkins. “We should celebrate Black excellence all year round.”