Plainfield South Plans 5th Annual Black History Month Showcase

PLAINFIELD, IL — Plainfield South High School is planning its fifth annual Black History Month Showcase Feb. 23.

The event, organized by the school's Black Student Association, will take place from 6-7:30 p.m. in the school's auditorium, 7800 W. Caton Farm Road. The showcase includes a community sing-along and performances from District 202 students and owners of local organizations.

The evening will open with a rendition of "Lift Every Voice," the Black national anthem. The song serves as a collaboration with the community as locals are invited to sign up to perform the piece at the show.

Participants will not only sing the song Feb. 23, but they'll also learn about the history of the song at a rehearsal planned from 6-7:30 p.m. Feb. 15 in the Plainfield North High School choir room.

Hope Moore Mezo, a case manager at Drauden Point Middle School, said the song is important to Black history and has the power to unite.

"With so much divisiveness and difficulties in our community and world, we decided to invite the community to show that we are better and stronger when united as one voice," Mezo, who is producing the event with the BSA, said in a statement.

Registration for the sing-along is available through the Plainfield School District 202 website.