The annual community celebration of Black History Month is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 8, beginning at 6 p.m. in the Bedford High School cafeteria and gymnasium.
Sponsored by Bedford METCO and the Parents Diversity Council, the event will feature culinary and cultural specialties and a return home by several BHS METCO alumni.
“This celebration is not just about Black history. It is about honoring the past, embracing the future, and having a steadfast commitment to embrace diversity, amplify voices, and build a place where every story is valued and heard,” said Akil Mondesir, the schools’ METCO director and coordinator of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Mondesir is a 1998 BHS graduate through the METCO program, which is marking its 50th year in the Bedford schools.
Highlights of the Feb. 8 program include:
- A soul food dinner, catered by Cohen’s Kitchen of Roxbury, operated by BHS 2008 graduate Jerry Cohen, his father, and brothers. The menu features barbecued chicken and ribs, baked macaroni and cheese, Cape Verdean jag rice, potato salad, garden salad, and corn bread.
- An interactive performance by the poet and spoken-word specialist jamele adams, who has been featured often at BHS and is currently director of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Scituate schools.
- Step dancing by a Bedford High School student team as well as a contingent from a chapter of Phi Beta Sigma, a historically African-American college fraternity. Chauncey Williams, a 2017 BHS graduate, will be part of the performance.
- A commemoration of the legacy of Irene Parker, who served as METCO director for more than 20 years. The foyer leading to the gymnasium and cafeteria has been dedicated in her honor by a vote of the School Committee.
- Music by 2018 BHS graduate Eddie King, who professionally is known as DJ E-Nyce.
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