Lake Oconee Academy (LOA) hosted its Inaugural Black History Celebration on February 28, 2024. The evening was a delightful celebration highlighting Black American culture from the past, present, and future. "It was a great event that brought many community members to celebrate. Attendees enjoyed the food as much as the performances. It was a joy to watch the students perform," shared Jermika Buck, LOA School Social Worker.

Roughly 150 people attended the evening. Artwork from elementary, middle, and high school students lined the event space, creating an immersive art showcase. These talented students created sculptures, paintings, and photographs to pay tribute to Black Artists and their contributions to the field of art and photography. 

Food trucks from Jeremy's Wing Shack, Jamaican Backyaad Cookout, and CC's Sweet Treats were on hand for the evening, serving up mouth-watering local favorites. Even a local elementary school entrepreneur served his famous lemonade from his business, "Taylen's Lemonade." The threat of rain and a sudden downpour didn't hinder the enthusiasm for this memorable event.

What student-led event would be possible without the Master of Ceremonies? Eighth-grade student Christian Robbins, a very active member of the student body, was the MC for the evening. He kept the audience entertained and engaged throughout the night. 

The talent showcased at this Inaugural event was plentiful! Dakota Moon, the seventh-grade student, kicked off the evening with an enthusiastic piano performance of "Ragtime Dance" by Scott Joplin that had the audience tapping their toes while the 7th-8th grade Chorus left the crowd moved as they sang the traditional spiritual "Moses and David" by Sally K. Albrecht. An 8th-grade student, Rylie West, recited "The Battle of Birmingham," and LOA senior, Jakeria Porter, performed Maya Angelou's "Still I Rise." These young ladies' voices encompassed the room as their powerful performances radiated throughout the usually bustling cafeteria. Singing "Rise" by Andra Day, Rashedah Mitchell, a Milledgeville resident, moved attendees as she captured this powerful anthem's emotion. Students from grades 1st through 4th performed a beautiful lyrical dance with the coaching of Tyya Alexander. "I worked closely with the elementary dancers. In a short time, we organized a dance team with the help of the amazing Tyya Alexander. Ms. Tyya took the lead in teaching our young dancers a routine for the performance. "I think the dancers stole the show!" laughed LOA paraprofessional Dominique Sneed.

Lake Oconee Academy was honored to have a special guest speaker, Mamie Hillman, who gave a powerful narrative and history of Black Americans in Greene County. Ms. Hillman is the Director of the Greene County African American Museum. "The Black History Celebration was the first of its kind at LOA. It was amazing to make this event a reality and showcase LOA's diverse and talented student body," said LOA's ESOL teacher, Mrs. Shannon Hooks. The Black History Committee is already thinking of meaningful and creative ways to add to next year's Black History event!