The 7th annual Black History Oratorical Fest in Berkeley highlighted students' talents as they performed pieces honoring the Harlem Renaissance. The competition, held on March 26, brought elementary to high school students together to showcase their skills and knowledge about influential figures from this cultural movement. Kamar O'Guinn, BUSD's African American Success manager, praised the event's unique ability to unify students from various schools. The event featured engaging performances and speeches, fostering a sense of connection to the rich history of African-American art and culture, celebrated during the New Negro Movement of the 1920s and 1930s.
Jazz Monique Hudson emphasized the importance of honoring the legacy of the Harlem Renaissance by reflecting on the contributions of past artists and leaders, stating, "We honor linkage, truth-telling, freedom fighters, ancestors, prophets and protectors. They spoke, they marched, they wrote, they danced, they dreamed, and these young voices here, they're remembering, remixing and reclaiming our history."
Kamar O'Guinn, BUSD's African American Success manager, highlighted the significance of the event, saying, "I can't think of any other districtwide event that brings all schools together in this way."
The BUSD oratorical festival, with its focus on the New Negro Movement, showcases the rich cultural heritage of African Americans during a pivotal time when art and pride flourished."
Berkeley students prepared for months to present works that paid tribute to influential figures of the Harlem Renaissance, including Langston Hughes, Duke Ellington, and Zora Neale Hurston.
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