Fontana High School Celebrates Black Academic Excellence
Brooklyn Green, Staff Writer
February 1st marks the first day of this year’s black history month, and Fontana Unified School district kicked it off in celebratory fashion. On Saturday, February 3rd Fohi hosted the second annual Black History Month Celebration. This celebration strives to celebrate the academic excellence of students of African American decent in the Fontana community. Along with performances, vendors, and dancing, students were honored in for their GPA, some earning special recognition awards for community service, kindness, etc.,
The ceremony began in Fohi’s auditorium with a speech from April Clay- Fontana Unified School District’s African American Parent Advisory Council’s President- who described the event and its importance in a community so diverse. This was followed by a special drumming performance by Ms. Pool and her students at Southridge Tech. A middle school student sang the black national anthem so powerfully that one couldn’t help but be moved. A few students from Summit High school and middle school recited poetry of acclaimed black poets such as Fredrick Douglass. Then we heard some powerful poetry from Brandon Allen where he conveyed powerful diction that illustrated Black excellence.
After a few dance breaks and a nicely written speech given by superintendent Miki Rene Inbody, we heard from Dr. Daniel E Walker, a film maker, activist, spokesperson, greatly educated man, and Fohi alumni. He spoke about his experience during the 80s here at Fohi where he encountered first-hand accounts of racial injustice. Dr. Walker hadn’t stepped foot onto campus since then but was strong enough to open his heart to the acceptance and progression the community of Fontana has become. He explained how proud he is of our community and our continuing efforts for a better tomorrow.
Then came the much-awaited academic achievement ceremony, where every student invited got to walk onto the stage and was recognized for their astonishing GPA’s. Each student’s name and GPA were announced. As they walked across the stage each student shook hands with superintendent Miki Rene Inbody and other school board members as well as Dr. Daniel E. Walker. To close the ceremony, we had a special dance performance by the majorettes.
After the performance everyone in the auditorium was then escorted outside, where black owned business vendors awaited. Along with the vendors, in our MPR was somewhat of a mini museum with authentic magazines, books, pictures of many influential black figures such as Dr. King, Rosa Parks, Fredrick Douglass and Jackie Robinson. Art made by students of all ages was displayed, and even a picture of the O’Day Short Family Unity Garden planted at Randall Pepper Elementary school was showcased.
This event displays Fontana Unified School district’s step towards progression. An event celebrating black students' academic excellence in a once segregated town demonstrates unity by bringing together people from diverse backgrounds to recognize and celebrate achievement regardless of race. It demonstrates growth and progression by highlighting how the community has evolved from its segregated past to support and uplift all students equally. It was meant to inspire future generations by providing positive role models and reinforcing the importance of education and inclusion. Overall, the annual Black History Month fostered a sense of pride, belonging, and collective progress within our proud community.
Brooklyn Green