The sound of drums and a children's tale about slavery kicked off the Black Student Alliance's celebration of Black History Month.
The performance, featuring members of Sankofa Shule Academy, a Lansing kindergarden-through-eighth charter school, began the event.
Seventh-grader Deyonta Wilmot said he was excited to participate in the drumming performance because practicing for it helped him learn how to convey the struggles of important figures in Black History Month.
"I like the rhythm of the drums because we can make beats out of it," Wilmot said. "The beats come from the people that suffered for us."
The event also included a speech from former MTV "Real World" cast member Kevin Powell.
Powell, a writer and political activist, addressed youth empowerment, academic involvement and community leadership.
"You can't just accept easy answers," Powell said. "If we are going to continue to make this country the democracy we want it to be, we have to know our history."
Powell expressed the need for all Americans to understand their shared experience.
"Black history is American history," Powell said.
Powell's message was echoed by Lansing Community College student Etienne Fields.
"Conversations about black history should take place around the cafeteria table - not in a lecture," Fields said. "There should be more than black people here."
The event's theme, "Quit Playing: What the Hell Are You Waiting For?" addressed the urgency for students to take leadership roles to address issues that affect the black community, BSA Vice President Jamein Cunningham said.
Founded in 1969, BSA is a political and culturally driven student group that focuses on struggles within the black community.
Programming Director Alana Bowers said the Black History kickoff was the first in a series of events lined up during February to raise awareness about black community issues.
"It's important to get the ball rolling," Bowers said. "It's important for the community to reflect on the past and move forward."
Staff writer Amy Davis contributed to this report.
