Senior Charlene Noel is the Event Coordinator of the BSU and one of the performers in the BHM Showcase. Her job is to plan, organize and execute every event that BSU is interested in doing within the school year such as the BHM Show, kickbacks and gatherings. Photo by Vincent Ciullo.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
"BHM is a month of wonders to me. It is a month where you see black people thrive and flourish when learning about our history and its significance."
What improvements could the school make to be more inclusive?
"I would love to see more black students/POC in leadership. Being in a predominantly white institution for the past four years, it’s not something that is very common. As years go by, I hope to see representation so all the POC-students here know they have someone fighting for them."
How are you celebrating black culture/excellence?
"I feel as if me planning/being a part of this show is a way of me celebrating black culture. There are many different aspects of BHM. It's not only about entertaining but educating that audience who may not know much about black culture/history."
How would you describe Black History in one word?
"Legendary."
Do you feel like MSD truly values black history?
"In some ways they do, as not many schools in our area have the opportunity to put on a production such as the BHM Show, so I am grateful that we are able to continue this tradition."
Why do you think the BSU is important? How are you displaying your culture through the show? (ex. educating students, sharing cultures)
"BSU is important because it is meant to empower the students at MSD. Not only to show them that Black History is important, but to show them a way that it is important for us to stay united."
How are you displaying your culture through the show? (ex. educating students, sharing cultures)
"I am the dancer/choreographer of one of the country dances, which is Haiti where my parents are originally from. Starting from the month of November of last year, I have been in the process of creating a dance that truly shows the value of my country."