Cheers, hoots, and hollers filled the theater, packed with parents and children. This was the aftermath of last year’s Black Student Leadership Councils Black History and Heritage Program.
It is a show with student leaders being proud of their heritage, showing it to the community. This year’s showing will be at Burke High School, on Feb. 23, at 6:00 p.m.
“The purpose of the Black History and Heritage Program is not just a presentation, but it cultivates character and leadership skills.” BSLC sponsor Marcie Muhammad said. “It doesn’t just help the student but even the community as a whole.”
Shows in the past have had great attendance; last year their performance sold around 700 tickets at Omaha’s Rose Theater, almost selling out the theaters 900 seats.
The Black Heritage and History Program is about celebrating black creative arts, with both hip-hop traditional African dances and poetry. For the past eight years they have performed at schools across all OPS, and in 2025 Black Student Leadership Council put on their eighth performance at Omaha’s very own Rose theater, and this year they are returning to touring Omaha schools.
“The program is a presentation by the youth for the greater Omaha community. Students do all the marketing choreographing, backstage technology and lead their fellow council members,” Muhammed said.
The program starts with auditions in late October and early November, the BSLC hosts auditions for the program. They show off their skills or show interest in dance, gospel choir, fashion show, poetry and solos for the program.
“It is an event for the community by the community, and I love to see our students show positive leadership skills. I love the stage performance especially the African dances, it shows off the months of practice the students do,” Muhammed said.
The Fashion Show is a part of the program where student practice to strut down the runway in themed costumes reminiscent of the Black Panther political party, represent the motherland and show off traditional African couture and standing for the many countries and cultures of their homeland.
The program also has a poetry and spoken word section, students research poetry from famous poets like Maya Angelou and Langston Hughes. Students can create their own work and recite it.
“Writing my own poetry and presenting it from the heart makes me feel empowered,” Westview BSLC President Niko Bailey said.
Then there’s “Did you Knows,” a little intermission from all action and lights to speak about positive facts about African Americans. Practicing to state facts starting with “Did you know” speaking on facts and history of African American achievements.
“The vibes at practice are usually energetic, encouraging, and it feels like a family,” Bailey said. “Overall, BSLC is a family who is rooted in resilience perseverance and creating leaders and visionaries. I love this family.”
Everyone comes out more informed on not only statistics but the proud facts and everyday inventions of African Americans and their contributions to our society.
