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Bringing it Back: Phoenix College Celebrates Black History Month

By: Whitney Love

Among the many Phoenix College events held to celebrate Black History Month, the Phoenix College Family Care and Head Start Center hosted a performance by students from the Future Development and Performance Arts Academy (FDPAA) for its preschool and Head Start classes.

Honoring the diverse cultures of African countries like, Senegal and Ghana, as well as African Americans, Phoenix College social work student Sonja Knox helped prepare FDPAA students for the performance. Knox is an instructor at the K-8 charter school and her son Maliki is a student at the Family Care and Head Start Center.

Performance groups, The Gospel Choir and Steppers showcased their talent in front of preschool and Head Start students at the Family Care Head Start Center. Both groups are instructed by Knox and are composed of children who have achieved a high level of scholastic accomplishment.

The Untouchables, a separate hip-hop dance group, also performed at the Center.

"The students just love to do this type of dance to this kind of music," said Knox. "It really allows them to let their personalities shine through."

Performances similar to these are usually brought into the Center to help Family Care and Head Start Center students become familiar with different cultures.

"It is awesome to think about the ‘circle of learning’ going on this morning." Said Alverta McKenzie, Family Care and Head Start Center director. "We are proud to host a Phoenix College student who gives back to her community and encourages a young child’s sense of pride by watching his mother and her class perform as role models for our young children. They are all looking up to these talented African American middle-school dancers, drummers and singers who earned the opportunity to perform at Phoenix College because they received good grades and worked hard."

"This is an example of the many ways we incorporate family and community in the Family Care Center when we allow our parents to share their culture, talents and work. This is a very special way to honor Black History Month as well as celebrate diversity with our young children," said Ishmia Reed Smith, Family Care and Head Start Center lead teacher.

To celebrate Black History Month, the Phoenix College Black Student Union (BSU) will host its last event on Wednesday, Feb. 26.

Annual Black History Month Living Legend Award Luncheon
Wednesday, Feb. 26
Noon – 1:30 p.m.
Willo Room – Osborn Campus