The theme of this year's Black History Month is to celebrate those African Americans that have made significant contributions in the performing and visual arts and thus enriching American culture and society.
As part of that recognition, we will be playing different genres of music during the passing periods this Wednesday (2/28). This idea has been done successfully at our fellow Lasallian Cristo Rey school, De La Salle North Catholic High School in Portland, Oregon, and at West Catholic High School in Philadelphia, and has now become an annual tradition.
We are excited to raise awareness while keeping our community fun and vibrant.
The different music selections will be accompanied by a short description during the morning announcements as well as an email to students to explain and give context for the selected songs.
This is also a great opportunity for discussions about music, musicians, or Black history experiences or knowledge, between students and faculty.
- "Brown Skin Girl" by Beyoncé, SAINt JHN, and Wizkid (2019): A celebration of African and Black identity, with a focus on empowering brown-skinned women, set to a vibrant Afrobeat-inspired melody.
- "Get Up, Stand Up" by Bob Marley and the Wailers (1973): A reggae anthem calling for social and political action, encouraging listeners to stand up for their rights and resist oppression.
- "Alright" by Kendrick Lamar (2015): A powerful hip-hop anthem addressing social issues and resilience, with an infectious chorus proclaiming hope and determination in the face of adversity.
- "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong (1967): A timeless jazz standard delivering a heartfelt ode to the beauty of the world and the simple joys of life, narrated by Armstrong's distinctive gravelly voice.
- "Respect" by Aretha Franklin (1967): A soulful and empowering anthem demanding respect, Franklin's iconic rendition became a feminist anthem and showcased her powerful vocals and commanding presence.
- "Man In the Mirror" by Michael Jackson (1987): A reflective and introspective pop ballad encouraging listeners to make positive changes in themselves and the world, featuring Jackson's emotive vocals.
- "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston (1992): A poignant ballad expressing deep love and farewell, featuring Whitney Houston's powerhouse vocals and originally written by Dolly Parton.
- "ABC" by Jackson 5 (1970): A catchy and energetic pop-soul hit showcasing the youthful exuberance and harmonies of the Jackson 5, with an educational theme centered around the alphabet.
- "Rise Up" by Andra Day (2015): An inspiring and uplifting anthem encouraging resilience and strength in the face of challenges, driven by Andra Day's soulful vocals and powerful lyrics.