Wave Staff Report
CULVER CITY — Inspiration ran high and emotions ran deep as several Black Culver City High School students showcased their talent to a standing-room-only crowd Feb. 23 at a local Black History Month celebration. Hosted by Culver City school board member Triston Ezidore, Culver City Vice Mayor Yasmine Imani-McMorrin and U.S. Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, who represents Culver City in Congress, the event was held at Village Well Books & Coffee.
The collaboration was inspired by Ezidore wanting to celebrate Black History Month and Black artists, and to honor the district’s Black Student Achievement Plan, newly adopted by the school board. Part of the conversation was to recognize the classes that are being written to honor the diversity of the students at the high school, including Susana Fattorini’s Art & Culture classes, and its student artists.
At the event, students from Fattorini’s visual arts classes, including Art & Culture, displayed artwork in a celebration of Black student visual artists.
Isabella Hurst, Samantha Byam, Jordyn Ellison, Angelica Johnson, Hudson Ducard, Octavia Douglas, Trinity Johnson, Madison Becker, Xavier Hurston, Briana Hawkins, Braylon Singleton, Kaiden Whitt, Ornella Dubuche, Kayle Murray, Raela London and Ziya Reed all had one piece in the show and many of the students’ families attended as well. It was the first art exhibition for this group of students.
Fattorini wrote the Art & Culture curriculum using the Ethnic Studies framework, and as a culturally responsive class that reflects the students’ diverse cultures.The art class has been approved by the University of California and California State University systems.
Each student received a certificate from state Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, Assemblyman Isaac Bryan, and county Assessor Jeffrey Prang. As Assessor Prang wrote on the certificate, “Presented in recognition … as a student artist at Culver City High School and enrolled in the new art course called ‘Art & Culture,’ your focus on exploration, celebration and expression of self-identity and culture is highly commendable. Your creativity and expertise help highlight the Black experience in Los Angeles County.”
Culver City High senior Leah Johnson performed her original poem, “I Know of A House,” which she wrote for her ethnic studies class. Ethnic studies, a recent addition to the district’s curriculum, focuses on the experiences and the historic struggle of communities of color, taking into account the intersectionality of identity to challenge racism, discrimination and oppression and to interrogate the systems that continue to perpetuate inequality in the United States.
“I cannot overstate the importance of having student artwork displayed, a powerful symbol of the creativity and talent that exists within our Black student community,” Ezidore said. “It serves as a source of inspiration for future generations.
Seeing the artwork created by Black students is a reminder of the incredible resilience and perseverance that we as a community have demonstrated throughout history — a celebration of our culture, our achievements, and our contributions to society,” he added. “By showcasing student artwork, we are not only honoring the creativity and talent of our students, but we are also creating a space where Black students feel seen and valued.”
