The Black History Assembly took place on March 20th, 2018 during fourth and sixth period. The event stood to celebrate the diverse African cultural presence in Curtis. A variety of students and staff were given the opportunity to perform. Some of the performers included the Dynasty Step Team, Tsanaya Hill singing “I Was Here” by Beyonce, Blessing Cannon with a poem, an African Dance choreographed by Ms. Jonea Dupont, and a fashion show featuring diverse outfits organized by Kim Rogers.

One of the most special moments in the assembly was the empowering speech given by Dr. Aurelia Curtis, former principal of Curtis. Dr. Curtis was the first female and black principal of the school’s very long history. For the 31 years she was at Curtis she was loved, admired and respected by the students and staff alike. She encouraged black students to reach for the stars. “There is no point in being the first, if there is no legacy,”  she said in her moving speech.

The other guest speaker was Ms. Joan Rannie, the retired principal of P.S.38. She was the first black principal ever on Staten Island and also gave a very motivational speech encouraging students to never give up and to always try their best.

A lot of students genuinely enjoyed the show. One senior who came during fourth period said, “I enjoyed the fashion show the most. I liked how there were different parts of such a diverse culture being displayed. The speech was also genuinely motivational, I liked this assembly a lot.”

Curtis High School is the most diverse school on the island and to see the effort all participants put in to educate other students about their beautiful culture was wonderful. One of the people who helped put it together was Mr. Cogan. “I enjoyed the active participation in the audience for all the students who put in so much time and effort. It is done every year and it is an almost 20 year old tradition.”

A huge congratulations to everyone who participated for doing a great job and an even bigger thank you to those who put it together.