Courtesy photo
By Emilie St. John
Contributing Writer
INGLEWOOD — Four students from Inglewood Unified School District received recognition during the city’s Black History Family Festival Feb. 22.
The annual student Art Expression Showcase, themed “African Americans and Labor,” showcased how students interpret history through art along with an annual speech contest where winners received cash prizes sponsored by the Inglewood Education Foundation and the Los Angeles Rams.
Each year the district receives hundreds of speech submissions from students across all grade levels which are then read by a panel of committee members who determine the winners.
“I want to thank my commissioners who were judges for the speech contest,” City Councilwoman Dionne Faulk said.
Cheryl Shaw-Williams, Lois Hale and Henry Brown dedicated their time not only to reading the speeches but also attending the event.
Faulk also extended congratulations to the winners.
“I want to lift up the winners Elizabeth Villa, Tatyanna Dawson, Daniel Mitchell and Elijah Fikes,” Faulk said.
The awards ranged between $350 and $550. Members of the Inglewood Education Foundation declined to comment how the prizes were funded.
The city’s Parks and Recreation Department put on the free, all-day festival that featured a student art exhibition, a family literacy corner with storytelling and book giveaways, live music, spoken word and cultural dance performances, and art and community engagement activities.
All of the displayed art was produced by local students, according to district spokesperson Jessica Ochoa.
“It was a wonderful event attended by city and district officials,” said City Councilwoman Gloria Gray.
Gray found the event to be a great way for her to connect with members of the community.
“Some of the block clubs had a presence there as well as realtors, the fire department, and Centinela Hospital, so kudos to all involved,” Gray said.
Councilman Alex Padilla also chimed in on the event.
“It was a great opportunity to see the liveliness of our community and the diversity when folks from all over come to this event where there was great entertainment and food and my wife and I had a great time,” Padilla said.
He also thanked the city staff members who had a hand in making the event a success.
Emilie St. John is a freelance journalist covering the areas of Carson, Compton, Inglewood and Willowbrook. Send tips to her at emiliesaintjohn@gmail.com.
