Black excellence will take center stage at the Legacy & Excellence Black History Month Expo, February 26, 1-2:30 p.m. at Summit Academy – Columbus. Open to students and their families, staff members, sponsors and invited community guests, the expo was designed to showcase Black excellence across industries in real time, as well as from historical and cultural perspectives.
“Representation matters, especially for our students,” says event coordinator, sixth-grade teacher Ah’Niya Arnett. “I wanted to move beyond traditional classroom instruction and create an opportunity for experiential learning – where students could connect history, culture, entrepreneurship, leadership and service in one meaning space.”
Participating guests will engage with students at their individual tables and exhibits, sharing information about their industries, career journeys, entrepreneurship, leadership and service. “Students will rotate through booths, ask questions and learn directly from each exhibitor about their professional pathways and experiences,” Arnett explains.
Exhibitors include Greek organizations Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Participating businesses and entrepreneurs are: Art No Bart – Ash Guss (graphic arts and design), Beyond Essence and Beauty (cosmetologist), Elite Beauty and Barber Supply Store, Gionne’s Eats & Treats (private chef), Grazing & Platter Perfections by Radiance (charcuterie business), Montina Carrington (realtor), MouthPeace Publishing & Creatives – George Lee (author/paint-and-sip), TheCookieFix and Trendy Graphix (clothing brand). Representatives from the Army Reserves and Military Police will also host booths.
As event-goers move about a decorated gymnasium, they will also have the opportunity to view student projects including research on influential Black leaders and movements. Student displays will highlight Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, Jesse Jackson, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Barack Obama, Rosa Parks and Madam C.J. Walker.
“Several students are also exploring figures connected to the Harlem Renaissance as well as modern-day leaders and innovators,” says Arnett, adding that students’ research on the Civil Rights Movement and Harlem Renaissance will also be showcased. “These projects are designed to help students connect historical contributions to present-day leadership and cultural impact.”
A thoughtfully curated playlist of influential Black artists will create a soundscape featuring music by Beyonce, Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and other musicians whose impact has ranged from civil advocacy and global representation to empowerment and shattering racial barriers.
“I hope students leave feeling inspired, empowered and proud. I want them to see that Black excellence exists in business, the arts, education, real estate, culinary fields, public service, military fields and beyond,” says Arnett. “Most importantly, I hope they recognize that their own futures are full of possibility.”