West Orange HS Students Teach Black History With Song, Dance: WATCH

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the West Orange Public School District. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

Edison Middle School was the scene of a reunion on Feb. 7 as members of the West Orange High School Choir and Step Teams taught about Black History through song and dance.

Edison Principal Steve Melendez noted, "This is one of my favorite events of the year as we welcome back former students in Choir and Step. When you join the choir or step team, you'll come back, and we'll hear about all the great things that you are accomplishing at the high school."

Students excitedly entered the building and immediately stopped by the classrooms of former teachers to say hello.

Choir members performed first under the direction of Michelle Brown and Dr. David Rhone, who explained how slaves would use spirituals to communicate information about the Underground Railroad. After a performance of the Black National Anthem "Lift Every Voice and Sing," members of the Edison Singers joined in for "This Little Light of Mine" and the choir sang "Keep the Lamps Trimmed and Burning." Senior Justus Wheatley soloed on "Bridge Over Troubled Water."

Optimal Precision (the WOHS Girls Step Team) took the stage next for an empowering take on Black History, followed by Ab-Salute Step (the Boys Step Team), who joined the girls and their coach Chimezie Nwosu in sharing moments in Black History through their stepping.

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