Los Altos High School’s Black Student Union (BSU) hosted their first major event in years: a commemoration of Black History Month. In the last week of February, BSU organized two separate events, building community and celebrating the return of the club after a four-year hiatus.

Black History Month is celebrated during the month of February to honor the birthdays of abolitionist Frederick Douglas and 16th President Abraham Lincoln. The month is dedicated to celebrating African American history and culture.

“No one really acknowledges Black History Month,” BSU Vice President senior Amanda Iweka said. “It’s gonna be nice to send a little reminder of what this month is about.” 

This year, BSU hosted two main events: a food fair and finish-the-lyrics competition. The food fair, which took place on Wednesday, February 26, started off with BSU members handing out hotlinks — a traditional Southern food — with bread and lemonade. After the food was served, students began line dancing, with songs such as cha-cha slide, wobble, TV off, and more.  

Preparations began the day before, when BSU held a meeting in the culinary classroom to prepare the food. They cut the hot links, made the lemonade, and managed the cutlery for the next day. 

While the club members were doing the prep, BSU adviser Kalinda Price and other BSU staff served lunch, including Philly chopped cheese sandwiches, macaroni and cheese, lemonade, and cookies. Members were able to bond over the food, talking about the next day’s plans, and connect with their peers.

“Our goal is to show people that the BSU is a welcoming space,” BSU President sophomore Max Asmar said. “We’re getting our club out there and expanding that community response.” 

On Thursday, February 27, BSU hosted finish-the-lyrics. Club members would play a song, then pause at a certain spot while student teams guessed the next five lyrics. If a group got the lyrics right, they would gain a point. By the end of lunch, the group with the most points won a cash prize. 

“It’s kind of difficult to organize such a big event, but I think that me and my peers have been handling this really well,” BSU Secretary junior Elena Gutierrez said.

Though difficult to organize, both events were a success, according to Amanda.

“I think we’re doing really good despite all the challenges we had to face,” Amanda said. “This event is probably one of BSU’s biggest events since 2017.”