On Thursday evening, students, faculty, relatives and community members gathered at Albany High for this year's Black History Celebration, "Afrofuturism."
Through song, dance, art, poetry, storytelling and speeches, Albany High students, along with our administrators, teachers and community leaders, led attendees to reflect on the Black experience of the past and re-imagine the Black experience of the future.
Messages of strength and resilience were woven throughout the evening, and student voice served as a keystone to remind us that hope is embodied in our school community here at Albany High.
Students in My Brother's Keeper and My Sister's Keeper played a vital role in cultivating a moving and memorable celebration, and we are proud of the following Falcons from our student body who shared their creativity, talents and heart with us throughout the program:
- Masters of Ceremony by Chance Rodriguez & Marvion Bowman
- Black National Anthem performance by Alex Padial, Genesis Tolentino II, Henry Roberts, Kijana Taylor-Skervin, Rose Madden & Wae Aung
- Violin solo by Jasmine Suarez
- Student voice by James Campbell & Phillip Walcott
- Student graphic design and art showcase by Kai Cameron, Zion Morley, Naomi Calvin, Zaria Pledger-Patillo, E'nashanay Grimes, Naomi Koudoagbo, Trinity Guilford, Rameesha Sarker & Olive Carey
- Cosmetology hair showcase and poetry performance by Kyla Boyd, Reign Hannah, Teja Hoke, Joliyah Johnson, Antoiniyah Lumpkin-Spence & Rayniah Pounds
- Dance performance by Dynamic Illusion
In addition to student-led performances, Albany Mayor Dr. Dorcey L. Applyrs gave a poignant address to our students, sharing her own story of overcoming prejudices and preconceptions to become the first Black mayor of our city.
Local representatives of several Black fraternities and sororities highlighted their rich history and social impact by their presence at our event.
Pretty Big Movement, a dance group that promotes a safe space for all genders, body sizes and types, shared an uplifting performance.
Thank you to Superintendent Joseph Hochreiter, Principal Jodi Commerford, Student Engagement Principal Shermaine Moore-Boakye and history teacher Charles Spence for their support in making this incredible evening possible.
In closing, we share the words of Class of 2026 President and My Brother's Keeper Fellow James Campbell, which remind us how important it is to continually re-imagine what the future can hold.
"If you were to ask me where I see myself in five years, I would respond with one word: innovating."