By Ching Yuen, staff writer
Performing music, poems, and dances, the BSU hosted an assembly on Friday February 24, 2023, to spread awareness of black history at Galileo.
Right after introductions, a special guest, California’s 1st District Court of Appeals Justice Teri L. Jackson gave a speech about how the civil rights movement is part of San Francisco’s history. This includes Justice Jackson, herself, as she is the first African American female judge to serve on the San Francisco Superior Court.
During an interview after the assembly, Justice Jackson sent an encouraging message to students saying, “Never give up on your dreams. Keep your eyes on the dream. When you see something wrong, correct it, don’t let it continue.”
Justice Jackson also gave credit to other judges that came before her as an inspiration, saying, “It was an honor. But I wouldn’t be there if not for the other before me. I also spoke with the first Asian judge, Judge Lee and first Latino woman, Judge Suzanne Bolanos.”
Justice Jackson also praised the BSU for organizing the successful assembly: “I had so much fun. I left the school feeling very uplifted and happy and I want to come back and see you all again.”
After Justice Jackson gave her speech, BSU members, Kamiyah M. and Neveah P., came on stage to share some fun facts about Black history. After the assembly, when asked about what students learned, Sophomore Taye C. says, “The washing machine dude, don’t remember his name but he made washing easy.”
The next few performances were of BSU members reciting poems and singing songs. Most notably, Coach Nick rapping. The crowd erupted when he got on stage and rapped, making the auditorium have a concert-like vibe.
This was followed up with a presentation on the evolution of black music by Senior Jackson F., BSU member. From R&B to rap, it showed how much music had changed throughout the years. After the assembly, Jackson F. shared his thoughts on the event: “My favorite part would be how we all work well together and how we all had a clear goal to share our history with other students,” adding, “A message I would want to send is that Black history is to never give up, always stand up and fight and be proud.”
As the assembly drew to an end, two BSU singers captivated the audience with two singing performances. When asking students how they felt about the assembly, Sophomore Sidney, said, “It was fun, I enjoyed it, especially Coach Nick’s part in it.” Sophomore Quian also agrees: “Coach Nicks rapping was the best.”
