Colonial School District: Black Cultural Awareness Club Plans Unity Walk And More

Press release from the Colonial School District:

2021-02-02

The Black Cultural Awareness Club (BCA) took on the challenge of organizing their annual student-led Unity Walk during a pandemic — and came away with solid plans for a virtual #ColonialWalk4Unity, as well as several other ways to celebrate African American experiences and culture in February.

Members of the Black Cultural Awareness Club after a recent meeting where they made plans and practiced step dance routines for upcoming Black History Month activities.

"I think we had a lot of creative ideas, and people can see we care about Black History Month through our work," said Plymouth Whitemarsh High School (PWHS) ninth grader and BCA member Kendall Mitchell.

#ColonialWalk4Unity: February 21 (or any day in February)

Now in its fourth year, the BCA's annual Unity Walk has gone virtual. Traditionally a school-wide event, individuals and families are encouraged to go outside and walk a mile as a symbol of unity — and can take part in the event on any day in February if the 21st doesn't work.

"Unity is important, because we are able to come together and make change," said PWHS ninth grader and BCA member Sanaa Power. "It is important especially now, because a lot of people are struggling, and helping each other is where we need to focus."

Participants should follow social distancing guidelines and can show their unity by carrying signs, wearing themed masks, chanting and sharing photos on social media with the hashtag #ColonialWalk4Unity. Walkers can also click here to send their photos for the BCA archives and to be shared on the District website and social media.

"The Unity Walk is a good way to show you care," said Colonial Middle School (CMS) eighth grader Kayla Holmes. "It shows that you don't like when things are not equal and you want equality."

The walk also now serves as a fundraiser for the BCA Scholarship Fund, and the club is asking for a voluntary $4 donation per person. Click here to donate.

Unity Masks: All month long

The club is working with a Black-owned company to make unity masks available for $10 at the PWHS front office. Click here for the order form.

BCA Being Black in America: February 25

Unity masks are available at the PWHS Main Office.

BCA members have also started putting together performances and entertainment for BCA Being Black in America, an original Black History Month program scheduled to air during the PWHS Bonus Block and after that on the Colonial Instructional Television YouTube channel.

"My favorite thing about helping to put together the event was contacting the guest speaker, Mark Jones," said Luwam Teklegiorgis, PWHS junior and BCA member. "I participated in a lot of his protests over the summer, and I was happy to get in contact with him to speak for this event."

Black Lives Matter Bootcamp: February 28, 11-11:30 a.m.

Register for this fun fitness workout with trainer Kenny Williams from REDS Camp and help support the BCA Scholarship Fund.

Donations are appreciated but not required to participate in or have access to the Unity Walk, program and workout. All registered participants will receive the links to the programs and workout. All funds raised will support the BCA scholarship fund.

While the club is using this year's Unity Walk and other Black History Month projects to help raise money for their scholarship fund, the main purpose continues to be to celebrate and bring awareness to African American culture.

"I am excited for showing that I am proud of the color of my skin and how powerful I am," said PWHS ninth grader and BCA member Mylayjah Allen. "We need [other people] to know that our skin is not a weapon. This is a way of showing that we are beautiful and amazing."

This press release was produced by the Colonial School District .The views expressed here are the author’s own.