March 20, 2025
Pennsylvania Avenue School students celebrated Black History Month through music.
ATLANTIC CITY - Pennsylvania Avenue School recently hosted a Black History Month celebration of music. The event was a heartfelt tribute to the rich musical heritage that has played a pivotal role in African American history.
The program began on an uplifting note with a gospel segment. Students opened the event by singing "Lift Every Voice and Sing," often referred to as the Black national anthem. Their voices filled the room with a sense of unity and pride. This powerful opening was followed by a spirited performance of the classic gospel song "This Little Light of Mine.”
Students read poems about Harriet Tubman and Nikki Giovanni. One student read the poem Dreams by Langston Hughes.
Pennsylvania Avenue School Principal Thomas Biggins said it is important for students to see the past and learn from it. “It is incredibly important for the kids to recognize that we stand on the shoulders of giants who were part of the abolitionist movement and who were part of the civil rights movement,” said Biggins. “I think having kids understand their processes and what drove them to do the right thing is something that all of our kids can find value in, because at the end of the day we just want kids to do the right thing.”
Sa’ni Williams, who read the poem about Harriet Tubman, said she learned about Tubman’s work through the process.
“She saved 300 people using the underground railroad,” Williams said of Tubman.
Dr. Nycole P. Lyles-Belton served as emcee for the Pennsylvania Avenue School Black History Month program.
Dr. Nycole P. Lyles-Belton, who served as emcee and coordinated the program along with Elementary School Teacher, Shaylyn Neal, said the celebration gave students an opportunity to connect with their teachers through culture and music. “We wanted to bring some enlightenment and excitement to the wonderful history of Black music because it’s enriching to our lives,” said Lyles-Belton. “Not only does it sound good, but it makes us feel good.”
Elementary School Teacher Shalyn Neal and Dr. Nycole P. Lyles-Belton coordinated the Pennsylvania Avenue School Black History Month program.
One of the highlights of the celebration was a segment titled "Throwback to our Music in History." This portion showcased students' talent and creativity as they paid homage to iconic musical groups from the past. One group of students delivered a nostalgic lip sync performance to the tunes of Boyz II Men, evoking memories of the legendary R&B group's smooth harmonies.
Pennsylvania Avenue School students performed.a lip sync tribute to Boys II Men.
Ny’Veen Scruggs, who sang with the Pennsylvania Avenue School Boys II Men group, was pleasantly surprised to learn more about the group. “I knew the song Mr. Telephone Man, but I didn’t know who sang it,” Scruggs said.
Pennsylvania Avenue School students performed a lip sync tribute to TLC.
Another group channeled the spirit of TLC, forming their own version of the famed female R&B trio and with their own dynamic rendition. “For those who were not familiar, they were excited to be exposed to great music,” Lyles-Belton said.
The program culminated in a grand finale with all participants joining together to sing "We Are the World." This iconic anthem, originally written to raise awareness and funds for humanitarian aid, served as a fitting conclusion to an event that celebrated unity, diversity, and the enduring impact of African American music.
“It brings us back to a time in life where we can remember when some of us were kids,” Lyles-Belton said. “Also, it introduces our current students to a time that we absolutely loved and enjoyed.”
Overall, the Black History Month program at Pennsylvania Avenue School not only provided an educational and entertaining experience for the attendees but also underscored the importance of music in the cultural history of the African American community.
“I’m incredibly proud,” Biggins said. Students can model what they’ve learned to better themselves and their community.
“They can look at how people have contributed positively to society and make those connections, learn about all the people who came before them, who have led the way in fighting for equality, for equitable treatment, and for what’s right,” Biggins added. “Having the students be able to see that and learn from that is something that we 100% value at Pennsylvania Avenue School.”
