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SPS Celebrates Black History Month with Flag Raising Ceremony

Posted on: February 5, 2025

Summary : February is Black History Month, and SPS recognizes the contributions of all Black people – past and present – who continue to blaze a trail!

An illustration with three Pan African colors of red, yellow, and green with text Black History Month.

Seattle Public Schools Celebrates Black History Month with Flag Raising Ceremony

Garfield High School’s Nyshae Griffin sings “Lift Every Voice and Sing” at black history month flag raising
Garfield High School’s Nyshae Griffin sings “Lift Every Voice and Sing”
Black History Month decor adorns the table at black history month flag raising
Black History Month decor adorns the table.
Black Student Union members Aida Starr, Oteko Mwamba, and Akeem Murph wearing "black excellence" t-shirts at black history month flag raising
Rainier Beach High School’s Aida Starr, Oteko Mwamba, and Akeem Murph spoke about the significance of Black History Month. All are members of the Black Student Union.
Bev Redmond speaks at black history month flag raising
SPS Chief of Staff Bev Redmond gives remarks.
District staff listen during the Black History Month flag raising ceremony.
District staff listen during the Black History Month flag raising ceremony.
Black Studies Program Manager Anita Koyier-Mwamba gives remarks at black history month flag raising
Black Studies Program Manager Anita Koyier-Mwamba gives remarks.
SPS staff members Bev Redmond, Anita Koyier-Mwamba, and Dr. Mia Williams watch the student speakers.
SPS staff members Bev Redmond, Anita Koyier-Mwamba, and Dr. Mia Williams watch the student speakers.
Rainier Beach High School drumline at black history month flag raising
Rainier Beach drumline gives a performance
Rainier Beach High School’s Black student Union members Aida Starr, Oteko Mwamba and Akeem Murph raise the Pan-African flag
Rainier Beach High School’s Black student Union members Aida Starr, Oteko Mwamba and Akeem Murph raise the Pan-African flag

Seattle Public Schools (SPS) kicked off Black History Month with a powerful flag-raising ceremony at the district’s central office. The event honored the rich history and contributions of Black Americans while uplifting student voices.

The Rainier Beach High School drumline set the tone with a vibrant performance, filling the air with rhythmic energy. Garfield High School’s Nyshae Griffin followed with a stirring rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” the Black National Anthem.

Before the Pan-African flag was raised, students from Rainier Beach’s Black Student Union shared heartfelt reflections on what Black History Month means to them. Their words emphasized pride, resilience, and the importance of continuing the fight for equity and justice.

As the flag ascended, it symbolized SPS’s commitment to honoring Black excellence, past and present, and fostering an inclusive and supportive community for all students.