Day 1 Literature, Leadership and Legacy
The founder of the Black History and Lifestyle Award, Eziada Folashade Balogun, took the stage with a speech that set the tone for the entire week. She addressed the performative nature of Black History Month in mainstream spaces but emphasized that Black history is not a theme, a moment or a single month. “Black history is every single day. It’s the past, the present and the future all woven into everything we do, everything we create and everything we are.” she declared. She then moved forward to highlight the power of reclaiming narratives, telling stories in the way they deserve to be told and ensuring that the world listens even when it does not want to.
Day 1 Literature, Leadership and Legacy
The founder of the Black History and Lifestyle Award, Eziada Folashade Balogun, took the stage with a speech that set the tone for the entire week. She addressed the performative nature of Black History Month in mainstream spaces but emphasized that Black history is not a theme, a moment or a single month. “Black history is every single day. It’s the past, the present and the future all woven into everything we do, everything we create and everything we are.” she declared. She then moved forward to highlight the power of reclaiming narratives, telling stories in the way they deserve to be told and ensuring that the world listens even when it does not want to.
Day 2 The Power of Comedy in Black Culture
BHLA Delegates at the event stated that “the Comedy Night at Stopgap Theater, USC, wasn’t simply to entertain the audience but was also a deliberate choice to highlight how humor has been used as a means of survival, healing and unity”. They further stated how black comedians had historically transformed personal and collective struggles into moments of joy, allowing communities to find strength in shared experiences. The night showcased the evolution of Black humor and the continued impact of comedians in shaping cultural narratives.
Day 3-5 Dance as a Language of Storytelling
The final days of the celebration featured the highly anticipated Dance Drama Presentation, sponsored by BHLA in collaboration with ATARS and the USC School of Dramatic Arts. Professional instructor and choreographer, Segun Adefila worked alongside USC faculty professor Sarah Anindo Marshall to train students, guiding them through the art of African storytelling through movement. From their amazing rendition of the dance drama, the audience could tell that the students fully embraced the opportunity to learn and participate, bringing energy and passion to their performances.
Day 3-5 Dance as a Language of Storytelling
The final days of the celebration featured the highly anticipated Dance Drama Presentation, sponsored by BHLA in collaboration with ATARS and the USC School of Dramatic Arts. Professional instructor and choreographer, Segun Adefila worked alongside USC faculty professor Sarah Anindo Marshall to train students, guiding them through the art of African storytelling through movement. From their amazing rendition of the dance drama, the audience could tell that the students fully embraced the opportunity to learn and participate, bringing energy and passion to their performances.