Nogales High School’s

“Black Culture Celebration” February 16th, 2024

Written By NHS Students Brian Haley Jr. and Gavin Strange

Brothers and Sisters in Unity

For over 30 years, Brothers and Sisters in Unity (BSU) has played a huge role at Nogales High School. It has become home for many different students. Teacher and Advisor Ms. Donna Nelson has helped to motivate and inspire students to become leaders in the BSU. “In my experience with the club it has been amazing, you can find people you can connect with and socialize with. This is important in a club because you can get more involved the more you feel comfortable,” said Nogales Noble Brian Haley, a senior and BSU leader. “For example, I didn’t like public speech but during the “Black Culture Celebration” I was able to grow the confidence and stature to introduce a poem by Marianne Williamson called ‘My Deepest Fear.’  This is just one way the club can positively affect students. I am not the only example. BSU is not only for African-American students, it is multicultural, accepting anyone no matter their ethnicity or race. BSU teaches young up-and-coming adults about Black Culture and how it is important to learn and never forget.”

Learning Black Culture

“In a society where we tend to lose our originality and our identity, learning about ourselves is important. Especially learning about Black Culture. The reason why learning about black culture is so important to us is because in the past we came from slave backgrounds. Hundreds of years ago our ancestors were taken from their homes and were placed on slave ships to the “New World.” With the transition into the colonies, we lost our history and our story was lost over time. By learning our past we can better understand the fundamentals that are at play now. Things don’t just happen because of skin color. Rather, there is a logical reason why certain things may happen to us in society. Our history is really our answer to the many problems we have today. It is important to look upon the past to pave our future. Our past is not to be forgotten but our inspiration,” said Nogales Noble Gavin Strange, a senior and BSU leader.

Artwork

The event featured artwork from some of its members. It ranged from three different paintings by Alicia Reyes and Donald Veal. Nogales Art teacher Mr. Sotelo also provided bricks with powerful words on them such as united, happiness, power, purpose, progression, brothers, unity, due, self, and many more powerful words inspired by students and the theme, “What does BSU Club mean to you?” BSU also contributed a “Tree of Life” that included Black Legends from past and present such as Jesse Owens, Arthur Ashe, Kobe Bryant, Denzel Washington, and much more. The “Tree” included the bios of these Black Legends and their impact on the world today. 

The Fashion Show

The fashion show that was part of the event wasn’t only just for fun. It was a way to show how African American media or culture can be displayed in various ways. For instance, it can be shown via various sweaters, shirts, and dresses that may pop out with slogans, and colors created by Black designers from Target Black History Month Collection and alumni, Tytian Graham's custom designs. In addition, accessories were on display like bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and more sold by Nogales teacher Mrs. Ulondra McCarty. We don’t always have to lock away our past and throw away the key. We can display for the world to see. Fashion is just a fun way to display/celebrate our culture.

Nogales High School Band and Choir Played the Classics

We were blessed to have many of the Music departments join us and perform for the event. Their contribution made the event extra special as they played songs that were not only classic pieces but historical music. With the Nogales Choir singing the Black National Anthem of the name “Lift Every Voice and Sing” beautifully, the audience was very much able to understand how not just the African American community but rather the world as a whole should lift up their voices and sing. To sing for the basic need of equal rights. To sing for freedom. And most importantly, sing for the breaking of bondage of our community. In addition, the Nogales Noble Regiment Jazz Band played many classic pieces including but not limited to: Africa (By Toto), My Girl (By the Temptations), Billie Jean (By Michael Jackson), and much more. The crowd was not only entertained but rather heavily enticed and ecstatic as the Jazz band blasted their hearts out. Their performances brought the mood in the room to another level. Lastly, African American students from the band also performed the song of the name “Milestones” by Miles Davis under the pseudonym, “The Black Kings,” to which its members are Donald Veal, Gavin Strange, Zion Dancy, and Kekona Robinson. With this fast-tempo piece, the room was at awe as Zion Dancy and Gavin Strange played their solos. 

Telesis Academy Student Poetry

High Schoolers were not the only ones performing at the event as students from Telesis Academy of Science & Math also shined. Each student was brave enough to recite their poetry that they made during class. Each student gave out a well-spoken and highly regarded poem that enticed the guests for more. What an Amazing job for the Telesis student!. Many thanks to their teacher Mr. Cory Cofer (Former Nogales Poetry Club director and Teacher).