The vibrant sounds of music filled the air, mingling with the rich aromas of traditional cuisine, as Ewing High School’s Afro Arts Festival kicked off in the school’s senior cafeteria. Hosted by the Black Student Alliance club, this annual event brought together students and community members to celebrate cultural heritage unity, and pride.
As the sun set on Wednesday, February 28, Ewing High School came alive with the spirit of celebration during its Afro Arts Festival, a highlight of Black History Month. The event, organized by the dedicated members of the Black Student Alliance club, aimed to create a space where students could come together to honor their roots, share their talents and build connections with one another.
Isaiah Fernandez, a proud member of the Class of 2026, expressed his joy at the sense of community and belonging that filled the festival. “This year’s Afro Fest was fun, seeing my community of black beauty coming together and eating and dancing it’s like family cookouts,” he shared. “As an Afro-Latino, I feel so proud to be both black and Hispanic.”
Despite the cozy confines of the senior cafe, the warm atmosphere was filled with excitement Lily Gletow, a student at Ewing High, reflected on her experience: “I thought it was so much fun! It was very cramped, but the overall experience was very enjoyable.” Her sentiment echoed the sentiments of many attendees, who reveled in the opportunity to celebrate cultural diversity and artistic expression.
I got the chance to speak with the next secretary of the Black Student Alliance, Stephania Camblard, she reflected on the significance of the festival in challenging stereotypes and promoting positivity within the African American community and when asked why she thinks Afro Fest started and why it’s needed she stated “I feel like in a school full of African Americans and of black heritage I don’t really know how it started but I feel as though in this generation our people usually are stereotyped to fight and are portrayed to be aggressive and angry. It kind of shows a night where we could come together and just have fun and show off our cultures.” Through events like the Afro Arts Festival, students are empowered to redefine narratives and celebrate the richness of their heritage.
In conclusion, the Ewing High Afro Arts Festival was not just an event, it was a testament to the resilience, creativity, and unity of the school’s diverse community. As the echoes of music and laughter faded into the night, the memories of this joyous celebration lingered, inspiring students to continue embracing their cultural identities.
