The Black Leadership Awareness and Culture Club (BLACC) hosted the BLACC Out Dance in honor of Black History Month on Friday.
BLACC leader Skylar Graham ’20, who coordinated the event, said she intended the dance to be a celebration of Black History Month for students from high schools within the Los Angeles area, not just African American students or members of BLACC.
“This party was designed to bring together black students from all over the city of Los Angeles to culminate Black History Month,” Graham said. “We are hoping that this will become an [annual] Black History Month event that students on our campus and across Los Angeles look forward to attending.”
Students reflect on the dance
The dance was open to students in ninth through twelfth grade, and all attendees were able to bring two guests. While at the event, students enjoyed food and danced with their peers.
Zen-mara Duruisseau ’22 said she enjoyed meeting other students from different schools while at the dance.
“It was amazing to see so many people come together from various schools to have fun,” Duruisseau said. “The vibe was great and everyone was extremely nice. I wish we could have stuff like this more often.”
Chandace Apacanis ’21 said she enjoyed celebrating Black History Month with her friends.
“I love to dance, whether it’s at a party or during a performance,” Apacanis said. “My favorite part was dancing with my friends and other people. It was the best party I’ve been to in a while.”
Attendee looks forward to future dances
Graham said the event was successful in bringing together students across Los Angeles and encouraging them to celebrate their cultural roots. She said she hopes the tradition is continued in future years.
“The inaugural BLACC Out dance party was a complete success,” Graham said. “As soon as the room got full, everyone was on their feet until the lights turned on. There was so much food, but everyone was too busy dancing. My favorite part was the entire event. I wish I had another year at Harvard-Westlake so that I could come back to the dance, and I know the other students will look forward to it next year.”
Student bonds with fellow attendees
Olivia Sparks ’22 said she bonded with both old and new friends at the dance.
“[The dance] meant a lot because it was a space and environment where a bunch of black people were able to get together and have fun and do whatever we wanted to,” Sparks said. “That is something that doesn’t usually happen in predominately white environments.”
