Black history month is celebrated every February across the United States to recognize the history, culture, and achievements of the Black community. Bay Shore high school holds an assembly every Friday during the last two weeks of black history month that showcases and honors the influence of Black culture on music, fashion, and entertainment. The Brother and Sister Organization, Dance Team, and some lead singers put all their talents and skills together to display to the audience how they honor Black History Month.

During the assembly students performed songs and dances followed by fashion showcases that represented different decades of black culture. The performances dated back to the 1970s and continued through the 1980s, 1990s, 2000, and all the way to 2010s  each group showed the audience what music, clothing and style looked like during those time periods. 

Students involved in Bay Shore High School’s performance spent weeks perfecting songs, dancing, and outfits that reflected different decades. The goal of these presentations is to not only entertain, but show students how African American music, style and culture contributes to a huge part of our history.

Mr. Hernandez, one of the main assembly directors, worked with a team of teachers and students to help put this event together. 

“During this year’s assembly, students will explore the impact of the Black community on American history, music, fashion, and dance from the 1920s through the early 2000s,” said Hernandez. “This year is especially meaningful because 2026 marks one hundred years since Carter G. Woodson first created Negro History Week, which later became Black History Month. Our goal is to help students recognize how important African American contributions are to the story of the United States.”

Annalisse Collins, captain of the dance team, spent weeks preparing with her teammates for their black history month performance. 

“To prepare for the Black History Month assembly, I practiced for multiple weeks along my team leading to the performance. This specific performance meant a lot to me because I felt connected to the powerful words in this dance,” said Collins. “The experience of being a part of this assembly and performing was sending a message to my peers about the impact and power women have gone through over the course of the decades.” 

The final performance in the auditorium ended with loud applause from the students and teachers, showing their recognition of the vast amount of effort that went into it.

“Our goal is to help students recognize how important African American contributions are to the story of the United States,” said Hernandez.