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Fourth Annual ‘Shades of Black’ Celebrates Culture, Creativity & Community

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Fourth Annual ‘Shades of Black’ Celebrates Culture, Creativity & Community
Five smiling students responsible for the event pose for a picture with their advisor in the LMHS auditorium

Lower Merion High School’s Black Student Union (BSU) recently hosted its fourth annual Shades of Black Showcase, bringing together students, staff, families and community members for an evening celebrating Black history, culture and identity through music, speech, storytelling, dance and poetry. Held at the close of Black History Month, the event honored the power of student voice, artistic expression and community connection.

The evening began with opening remarks from LMHS junior and BSU President Bruk Kebede, who described the showcase as a space where culture is shared, voices are elevated and community is strengthened. He then introduced Principal Dr. Mike Johnson, who also welcomed attendees and spoke in support of student leadership and cultural programming.

This year’s showcase featured a dynamic lineup of performers and speakers. Senior Seth Akuaku performed musical selections on electric bass, while Levi Perry, a sophomore at Harriton High School and winner of the Black Parents of Lower Merion oratorical contest, delivered a moving recitation of one of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic speeches. LMHS junior Fanta Kane shared a story about community, resilience and Black identity, and tenth-grader Lamar Roane energized the audience with a vocal performance of “Can We Talk” by Tevin Campbell.

The evening also included a special video featuring LMHS students reflecting on Black history, culture and what Black heritage means to them personally. Guests were then treated to a performance by the Zion Baptist Church Mass Choir, followed by a dance performance from D.A.T. Dance Studio that blended technique, storytelling and passion. The final performer, Jasmine Carroll, an award-winning poet and senior at BCIT Westampton High School, closed the program with an original poem exploring identity, social justice and empowerment.

Beyond the stage, the celebration continued in the atrium, where attendees enjoyed soul food and activities connected to the event. Together, the performances and shared experiences created an immersive and meaningful evening that uplifted Black culture, celebrated artistic excellence and reinforced the importance of community.

The fourth annual Shades of Black Showcase reflected the leadership of LMHS students and the enduring value of creating spaces where culture, history and expression can be honored in meaningful ways. Be sure to check out the slideshow below for photos from throughout the evening!

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A student dressed in black stands on a stage in front of a red curtain and speaking into a microphone.
A student dressed in black stands on a stage in front of a red curtain and speaking into a microphone.
A student dressed in black stands on a stage in front of a red curtain and speaking into a microphone.
Two individuals, one in a white shirt and the other in a suit, are standing on a stage with a red curtain backdrop.
Five students standing on a stage in front of a red curtain, with the shadowy audience visible in the foreground.
A student dressed in black stands on stage, their arm raised, mic in hand.
A young man in a white shirt and dark pants stands on a stage, holding a microphone and speaking into it.
Dr. Johnson, wearing a beige suit, holds the mic as he addresses the audience.
A student in a white shirt and black tie stands at a microphone on a stage with a red curtain backdrop.
A student in a white shirt and black pants stands on a stage with a red curtain backdrop, holding a microphone and appearing to be giving a speech or performance.
Dr. Johnson, wearing a beige suit, holds the mic as he addresses the audience.
A student playing an electric bass guitar on a dimly lit stage.
A student dressed in black is standing on a stage, holding a microphone and addressing the crowd..
A smiling student stands on a stage, raising their arm and holding a microphone.
A student dressed in black stands on a stage, holding a microphone and speaking into it against a dark red background.
Two students embracing in a dimly lit, dramatic setting with a red curtain backdrop.
A student in a black outfit stands on a stage, holding a microphone and speaking into it against a dark background.
A student in a suit and glasses is standing on a stage, holding a microphone and gesturing with his hands as he speaks into it, with a dark background behind him.
A choir comprised of both men and women perform on stage.
A gentleman plays the piano in accompaniment with the choir.
A choir comprised of both men and women perform on stage.
A choir comprised of both men and women perform on stage.
A choir comprised of both men and women perform on stage.
Two dancers in long gray dresses performing on a stage with a dark background.
Two dancers in flowing white dresses perform on a dimly lit stage, their movements graceful and expressive.
Two individuals in gray dresses are performing on a stage with a dark background.
A student in a flowing gray dress is performing a graceful dance on a stage with a dark background.
A student in a gray outfit is performing an expressive dance on a dimly lit stage.
Three dancers in dressed in white perform on a dimly lit stage, their movements graceful and expressive.
A dancer in a white outfit is striking a dramatic pose against a dark background.
Two dancers performing on a dark stage, with one dancer in a white top and loose pants striking an expressive pose with arms outstretched, while the other dancer in the background appears to be observing or supporting the performance.
Three individuals, dressed in beige attire, are performing a dynamic dance routine on a dimly lit stage.
A person in a white outfit is performing a dynamic dance move on a stage against a dark background.
A student in a white outfit performing a dance on stage.
Three dancers in coordinated outfits perform on a stage against a dark background.
The image three dancers performing on a stage, their bodies contorted and twisted in expressive movements against a dark background.
Three performers in white costumes and masks are engaged in a dynamic dance routine on a stage with a dark background.
A dancer in a white outfit performing a high kick on a dark stage.
Three individuals dressed i white engage in a dynamic dance performance on a dimly lit stage.
A person wearing orange clothing and goggles is performing a dance on a stage with a dark background.
A woman in a black dress is standing on a stage, holding a microphone and performing in front of a dark background.
A woman in a black dress stands on a stage, holding a microphone and speaking into it, with a red curtain backdrop behind her.
A student in a dark dress is standing on a stage, holding a microphone and performing in front of a red curtain backdrop.
Dr. Johnson, wearing a beige suit, holds the mic as he addresses the audience.
A group of people standing on a stage in front of a red curtain, holding microphones and appearing to be performing or presenting.
Dr. Johnson, wearing a beige suit, holds the mic as he addresses the audience.
A student in a white shirt and black pants stands on a stage with a red curtain backdrop.
A person in a black outfit is playing an electric bass on a stage with a red curtain backdrop.
Five students dressed in formal attire stand on a stage against a red curtain backdrop, with an audience visible in the foreground.
A student in a white shirt and dark pants stands on a stage with a red curtain backdrop, holding a microphone and speaking into it.
A student standing on a stage in front of a red curtain, holding a microphone and appearing to be giving a speech or performance.
A person in a dark hoodie is playing an electric bass guitar on a dimly lit stage.
A person in dark clothing is playing an electric bass on a stage with a red curtain backdrop.
A person in dark clothing is playing an electric bass guitar on a stage with a red curtain backdrop.
A young man with curly hair is standing at a microphone, wearing a white shirt and a black tie, against a dark background.
A student in a white shirt and black pants stands on a stage with a microphone, performing in front of a red curtain backdrop.
A student with curly hair wearing a white shirt and tie stands at a microphone on a stage with a dark background.
A smiling student dressed in black standing on a stage in front of a red curtain, holding a microphone and appearing to be performing or speaking.
A group of six smiling individuals, dressed in formal attire, standing together in what appears to be a conference or event venue.

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