Swampscott Unites, Respects, Embraces (S.U.R.E.) Diversity will host a public Black History Month event on Tuesday, February 24, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Swampscott High School.
The event marks S.U.R.E. Diversity’s fifth annual Swampscott Black History Month Celebration and will feature art and music by Swampscott Public Schools students. The theme is “Black History is OUR History.” The event is sponsored by the town, Congregation Shirat Hayam and Justice for All, with additional partners including METCO, First Church in Swampscott Congregational, the Swampscott Historical Commission, and the town’s police and fire departments.
“Let’s celebrate and recognize the contributions of Black Americans to Swampscott, the Commonwealth, and the nation, and show how our country has benefited from that rich heritage,” S.U.R.E. Chair Keli Khatib said. “We are excited that students from all Swampscott schools are participating.”
The evening will begin with a performance by the high school jazz ensemble. Artwork by elementary and middle school students will decorate the atrium walls. Free pizza and popcorn will also be available.
Additional performances will feature the high school chorus and band, as well as the local band Turtle on a String.
High school students will host an interactive Jeopardy-style game featuring Black History Month questions. A similar event was held at the Swampscott High School before the students went on February Break. The Students of Color Association (SOCA) hosted a Jeopardy-style event that tested students’ knowledge of Black History Month. Questions focused on Black History Month history, facts, entertainment, athletes and women.
Ralph Edwards, a co-founder of S.U.R.E. Diversity, said at the Select Board meeting on February 11 that the event will allow residents to “share important conversations about Swampscott’s Black History and work to build a more inclusive community.”
Black History Month began as a weeklong observance before expanding to a month in 1970. The annual observance honors significant people and events in Black history.
Each year, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History selects a national theme. This year’s theme marks a century of Black history commemorations.
Edwards read a proclamation for the town around Black History Month on Wednesday at the Select Board meeting.
“Whereas Black history is American history, February is Black History Month, a time to honor the history and achievements of Black Americans and to reflect on the centuries of struggle that have brought us to this historic moment, to live up to the founding principles of our nation and the town of Swampscott that all people are created equal with rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” Edwards read. “This observance affords a special opportunity to become more knowledgeable about Black heritage and to honor Black citizens who have contributed to Swampscott’s economic, cultural, spiritual and political development…Black History Month calls our town’s attention to the continued need to expose and reduce racism to develop and practice skills to become anti-racist and to build a society that lives up to its democratic ideals. This year’s celebration and recognition of Black History Month are especially significant as we reflect on the historic challenges facing our community and our nation at this time.”
