On Saturday, May 30, 2026, the African American Studies department (AFAM) hosted their annual “Celebration of Black Excellence” graduation at the King Middle School theater. The event began with saying Asé — a word from the Yoruba people which means ‘so be it’’ — in honor of ancestors and African American activists.
Superintendent Enikia Ford Morthel started off the speeches of the night by talking about the meaning of Black Excellence. Morthel explained that with excellence comes responsibility: the responsibility to not only succeed, but to create positive change within the world. Then, the crowd came together to sing “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” the Black national anthem.
Spencer Pritchard, an AFAM History teacher, went on to speak about the significance of the AFAM department at BHS, which is the only one of its kind in the United States. He finished by explaining how the world needed leaders, emphasizing his confidence in the Black graduates becoming those leaders.
Afterwards, Jenell Marshall, an AFAM Literature teacher, spoke on the importance of resilience and courage. Following Marshall’s speech, the African Diaspora Dance class performed “Amazing” by Hezekiah Walker before student speakers Amaari Howard and Dionah Green gave a speech about their growth and perseverance throughout high school. Afterwards, a student rapper performed an original song, which was met by an eruption of applause from the audience.
The final speaker of the night was Shayla Avery, a BHS and UCLA alum. She talked about how life never stops challenging you, and how one navigates and learns from those challenges is what truly determines success.
Finally, the graduating class received their cords and seniors gathered in the courtyard to celebrate.