Black is the Blueprint is the event that marks the first-ever black history show organized by the newly established Black Student Union. Since December, the members of the Black Student Union have poured their hearts and dedication into planning this show. Many performers have shown incredible commitment, spending their regent week and midwinter recess at school to rehearse and perfect their acts. Their hard work and passion highlight the significance of celebrating our rich history and culture.
On February 28th, Dewey’s new Broadway design theatre buzzed with anticipation as students of all ages and diverse cultural backgrounds filled the seats, alongside family members. The air was thick with excitement, and the gentle hum of whispered conversations echoed around the room. Eyes sparkled with enthusiasm while waiting for the grand performances to begin. Each face mirrored a mix of hope, anxiety, and joy, reflecting the vibrant community that this theatre brought together.
The show opened on a powerful note as the choir sang the uplifting melodies of the Black national anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” This set a tone of unity and celebration right from the start.
Dances
Next up, we had the energetic majorette dance performed by X-quisite, a dance group outside of Dewey.
Then came the nostalgic “Return of the 2000s”! Decked out in baggy graffiti jeans and trendy shirts designed by senior Amiah Gordon, dancers took us on a trip down memory lane, grooving to old school hits like “Valid Like Salad” while adding a fresh twist of new school flair.
Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, the finale took us to paradise with “It’s Carnival Time Again”! With Caribbean flags waving and rugged camo hats on, the ladies spun and twirled, busting out splits that left the audience cheering for more!
Model walks
The first model walk set the stage with a twist! The live music, featuring the performance of “Girl on Fire” by seniors Dallas Redmond, Eve Smith, Ma Kayla Arroyo, and Sarah Onilude. Dressed in dazzling all-white outfits, the models glided down the runway, charming the audience.
One of the standout moments of the event was the tribute to historical and iconic figures, crafted by Ms. Alteon. This walk celebrated influential Black figures such as Ruby Bridges, Michelle Obama, and Serena Williams. As each model stepped forward, a powerful statement highlighted their significance, bringing a wave of attention to the audience.
“Back in the Day,” was another magnificent creation by Ms. Alteon took the audience on a thrilling journey through various clothing trends from different eras. Each step along the path invited participants to explore the unique styles, fabrics, and influences that defined fashion across multiple time periods, offering a vivid glimpse into the evolution of attire through the ages.
Poems & live music
Each poem had a strong message to portray and each song was meant to invoke feelings in the crowd.
“Simon says” by seniors Dru Moreau and Alliayah Mathurin showcase the systematic pipeline of the young black youth in America from the classroom, to incarceration, to eventual demise; a critique on rigid society.
“My hair” by senior Johannah Fortune shows us the history of black hair and the uniqueness that comes with styling our curls and coils.
Junior Jaimaya Saintilma describes her spoken word “Stereotypes” as “ Truth, about people color, yet we don’t seem to agree. We are so much more than a color, the truth will set us free”.
The highlight of the night was undoubtedly the after-party, which offered an impressive array of food options. Featuring dishes from African, Caribbean, and Soul Food cuisines, the variety provided something for everyone to savor.
After-party back wall all set up and ready to dazzle! Ms. Alteon hand crafted the signs and decorations from scratch.
DJ Young Style energized the crowd with an incredible lineup of bangers that kept the party jumping. His mixes created an electric atmosphere, encouraging everyone to hit the dance floor and enjoy the night to its fullest.
Organizing such a fantastic show requires immense effort which was demonstrated by all that were involved, but Ms. Alteon and Dr. Martins in particular went the extra mile to ensure the event was a success. This did not go unnoticed by attendees and the performers, and set up a strong standard for future BSU events here at John Dewey.
