Students and families filed into the gymnasium at Thurgood Marshall Middle School in Southeast Nashville. Kids buzzed with Friday afternoon excitement, as they filled in the bleachers and got ready for the Black History Month program to start. 

“This program is centered around Black influences in media,” said eighth grader Niah James. “How Black people have shaped the way that we consume media, and what Black people have contributed to society both in the past and the present.”

James overcame some major stage fright. But she said it was worth it to be part of the program. 

“I love seeing … Black individuality being celebrated. And this program is a huge example of that.”

She helped open the show with a presentation about the Afro-punk movement and introduced afrofuturist artwork from her peers.  

“(It) kind of mixes ancient African culture with science fiction,” explained art teacher Ashley Smiley. “Kind of like (what) you would think of when you think of like Wakanda and the Black Panther.”

A song from that movie’s soundtrack echoed through the gym, as student artwork illuminated the walls. One piece showed a young woman with an afro exploring a vibrant, star studded galaxy.

Other students performed poetry and gave short biographies of local civil rights leaders. Some even played alongside the Nashville African American Wind Symphony. Together, they performed “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” known as the Black National Anthem.

Dance teacher Tylar Smith, who choreographed a group dance to Beyonce’s “Freedom,” said, several years ago, this program relied more on PowerPoints. 

“I didn’t really see the excitement or the joy that celebrating Black culture or Black history could be, so I wanted to add that element of fun to it by dancing.”

Now, students come to her with ideas and choreography. She works with them to create a finished piece.

“I personally think that students are more excited to learn and dive in deeper and connect with the culture,” Smith said.

For example, eighth grader Mayra Rosario identified the links between her Puerto Rican heritage and African culture.

“Not most people know this, but Puerto Rican culture does tie back to African people,” she said. “We all try to tie in the background and the history of what these people have gone through … I love how they show that and how they interpret that in dances.”

The Black History Month celebration program is an annual event at Thurgood Marshall Middle. The school has a high population of Black students, as well as a high concentration of Latino children. Principal Joseph Gilkes said the school plans on organizing a similar celebration for Hispanic Heritage Month next school year.