Montgomery Blair High School's Annual Sankofa Production

Montgomery Blair High School in Four Corners, Silver Spring, MD, is proudly embracing the spirit of Black History Month with a series of engaging activities and their highly anticipated annual theater production, Sankofa. Under the leadership of Principal Renay Johnson, the school is dedicated to celebrating the achievements of African Americans and fostering an environment of cultural appreciation and understanding.

Principal Johnson, who is retiring at the end of the school year in June,  expressed her enthusiasm for the month-long celebration, stating, "This month we are celebrating Black History Month. Our staff and students have planned instructional activities and a spirit week to celebrate the achievements of Black Americans, including our annual performance of Sankofa, a celebration of Black History and Culture."

The Student Government Association (SGA) at Montgomery Blair High School took the lead in organizing a vibrant Spirit Week, which started on Monday, February 12th. The week included a diverse lineup of activities designed to showcase the richness of Black culture and history.

Monday's Shoe Game Day and Black History Karaoke Contest on Blair Boulevard during lunchtime offered students an opportunity to groove to clean music from Jazz, R&B, Hip Hop, and Rap while learning about influential Black artists. Participants had the chance to win Chick Fil A Gift Cards, adding an exciting incentive to the celebration.

Tuesday was Celebrity Day, where students expressed their admiration for their favorite Black celebrities through attire and creative expression. The week culminated in the highly anticipated annual performance of Sankofa, featuring acting, dancing, poetry, and singing.

Sankofa has become a cornerstone of Montgomery Blair High School's Black History Month celebration. The production aims to break away from traditional narratives and offer a fresh perspective on African-American history and culture. Student Director Michelle Elie from four years ago, in an interview with Blair Network Communications, expressed the need for a change in how Black History is celebrated: "Sankofa to me means absolute celebration, absolute commitment and drive, and just really exposing folks, even myself, to new things about Black American history and culture."

The play, which ran for three nights, showcased the talent and dedication of Montgomery Blair High School students. Blair High School neighbors and also newlyweds, Remi and Emmanuelle Parker, who attended the performance on Friday, February 16th, reported a fabulous presentation. Remi Parker commended the students, saying, "The students outdid themselves. The music selection was excellent, the stage set up and transitions were wonderful, the poetry and dance powerful – everything was just so well done."

Montgomery Blair High School's commitment to honoring Black History Month through engaging activities and the Sankofa production reflects a dedication to fostering inclusivity, diversity, and a deep appreciation for the contributions of Black Americans to our shared history and culture.

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