SYLMAR : Mission College Honors Black History Month

A musician played Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony on the steel drums. Orange and black kente cloth decorated the main stage of the conference center. And balloons in the African colors of red, black and green lent a festive air to Wednesday’s Black History Month celebration at Mission College in Sylmar.

About 150 people attended the event, which also featured a rap performance, a keynote address on African American music, a poetry reading and a rendition of the black national anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

The program, coordinated by the Black Students Union and the campus Associated Students office, was designed to mark Black History Month, boost African American pride and educate people about black culture and history.

The biggest crowd pleaser was clearly the synchronized-dance drill team from the Boys & Girls Club of Pacoima. Dancers aged 6 to 18 made the floor throb as they pumped and shimmied to the hip-hop. The dancers’ energy rippled through the audience, which cheered and clapped in time to the music.

Those in attendance nibbled on smoked chicken, rice, beans and salad and browsed at tables of African-inspired jewelry, purses and scarves and racks of African-print clothing and padded coats.

Instructors mingled with students, and parents tended small children. “Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves,” said Angela Marcus, president of the Black Students Union.

“We always want Black History Month to be recognized on this campus,” she added. “That’s a must for us.”

“I like the unity,” said Michael D. Smith, a business student.

“I didn’t expect this from this college because it’s so new and so small. The black population is bigger than I thought.”

Organizers called the show a success, although attendance was down from last year’s event.