The Black Students’ Association conducted its 16th Black History Production, titled “A Walk through Time.”
This production continued the tradition of celebrating 500 years of African-American history through storytelling, poetry, music and dance. Featuring ACU students, “A Walk through Time” showcased a diverse number of performances, each paying tribute to a significant movement of black history.
Back from a three-year hiatus, “A Walk through Time” featured a powerful montage of history, poetry, music and dance in an energetic show promoting Black history and its impact on American Society and the ACU community.
Melodie Atchison, a freshman nursing major from Albuquerque, N.M., participated in the production as a dancer and also helped backstage. She believes this show, and ones like it, are important and encourages other students to take part.
“Other students should get involved in events like this because it allows them to learn more about where they come from. Not only that, but it helps them to meet other people with similar stories and interest,” Atchison said.
With this year marking the 50-year anniversary since the enrollment of the first black students into ACU, the show marked a significant reminder to ACU of the progress in cultural enrichment and the work still needing to be done.
Though preparation for the production was time consuming, Atchison found it worth the effort and amount of work for the enjoyable experience.
“I just want to say, that I loved working with the amazing cast and crew of the show,” Atchinson said. “I had reservations about the time commitment and the stress involved, but God worked everything out. I definitely plan on being involved in Black History Production and other like events.”
Byron Martin, BHP director, said this year’s show was significant because it’s the first time most current undergrad students have seen a production about black history.
“This year’s production was different because the students involved got to experience it through new and fresh eyes,” Martin said. “That’s what made it better and more significant.”
Martin thanked everyone who supported the production on campus.
“We had more than 320 people come out, and we’re thankful for their support,” he said. “We especially want to give a shout out to Residence Life who supported us extremely heavily.”