By Aasima Ali
Staff Writer
The annual Black History Month Assembly on Feb. 19 brought students and teachers alike together. Costa was able to celebrate the contributions of Black Americans throughout arts, politics, sports, and activism.
The assembly was held in the library last week, and students had the opportunity to celebrate, compete, and connect through a variety of interactive cultural activities. Noteworthy features included a station for African trading beads, a Maya Angelou themed photobooth, and a student-teacher dance battle.
“The assembly is a great opportunity to share Black culture at Costa,” said Head School Counselor Keshia Simmons.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, a milestone that gives students a chance to reflect not only on national achievements, but on the local history that surrounds them.
“I think it’s important to celebrate all cultures in a place where a lot of cultures are underrepresented,” said Junior and President of the Latino Scholars Union (LSU) Sarabeth Mullenhoff.
At the quilt exhibit, students explored the meanings behind various patterns, to link historical significance to contemporary cultural expressions. With music from several artists such as Micheal Jackson playing in the background, students took part in a Black History Jeopardy game, and had the chance to win Amazon gift cards in a scavenger hunt raffle.
“The amount of kids coming to learn and appreciate other cultures is so powerful,” said sophomore Julianna Miller.
This assembly challenged students to think critically: how do historic injustices influence our neighborhoods today? How can remembrance move beyond plaques and commemorations to meaningful dialogues? And in a city like Manhattan Beach, what does it mean for young people to engage with a history that unfolded just steps from their classrooms?
“This was definitely an important event with an even stronger message,” sophomore Ganga Thai said.
The month provides an opportunity to examine how historic injustices continue to shape communities even today. From systemic discrimination to underrepresentation in politics and education, the struggle of Black Americans have left enduring impacts on neighborhoods and institutions.
Black History Month may last 28 days, but the conversations shouldn’t. At Mira Costa, this year’s assembly was a reminder that celebrating culture isn’t extra but necessary. Sometimes it starts with showing up, listening, and choosing to learn–even during a single office hours period in the library. And for many students, that matters more than anything printed on a poster.
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