Lake Oconee Academy hosted its third annual Black History Month Celebration on Wednesday, February 11, welcoming families, students, staff and community members for an evening filled with music, art, food and meaningful reflection.
The event showcased the creativity and talent of LOA students through visual art and photography displays from middle and high school classes, alongside live performances that honored the rich cultural legacy of Black history.
The LOA High School Jazz Band opened the evening with energetic renditions of “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone,” “Bye Bye Blackbird,” and “Brass Machine,” setting a vibrant tone for the celebration.
One of the evening’s most moving moments came from sophomore student Bryson Herbert, whose soulful performance of Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come” captivated the audience and drew heartfelt applause.
“I love singing, and this felt like the perfect opportunity to embrace my culture and represent those who came before me,” Bryson shared. “It meant a lot to be part of something so meaningful.”
The celebration concluded with a joyful performance by the Mini Titan Dancers, led by Tyya Alexander whose energy and enthusiasm provided a fitting close to the evening. “The girls’ graceful performance captivated the audience and beautifully highlighted cultural music and dance,” shared Shannon Hooks, one of the event coordinators.
Beyond the performances, the evening also highlighted the importance of community partnership. Local food vendors, including Redd’s Catering, CC’s Sweets, Fresh Squeeze Lemonade, and Jeremy’s Wing Shack served guests throughout the event, creating a welcoming atmosphere that brought the LOA community together.
Planning committee member Dominique Rowland reflected on the impact of the evening. “The Black History Month Celebration is truly one of the BEST nights here at LOA,” Rowland shared. “It’s always one of the most powerful and unforgettable evenings at school. I love seeing our community come together to celebrate culture, creativity and local businesses. It reminds us just how special this school truly is.”
Through student performances, artistic expression and strong community involvement, Lake Oconee Academy’s Black History Month Celebration once again demonstrated the school’s commitment to honoring history, uplifting student voice, and building meaningful connections that extend far beyond the classroom.