Oratorical Fest honors Black History Month

By Rene De Amaral Staff Writer

Twila Long, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion co–chair of the Pioneer Parent’s Club proclaimed “Let us remember that Black History is American history” to a room full of Pioneer Elementary School families during their first Oratorical Fest and Showcase on Wednesday, Feb. 22.

The Oratorical Fest featured performances by Pioneer Elementary students, who could choose a piece of poetry, a speech, or a monologue by a Black poet, speaker, or writer. Students were encouraged to research an African-American figure and submit a video performance, which were featured in either the showcase or on the Pioneer Parents’ Club website for viewing.

The Oratorical Fest opened with a welcome from Pioneer Parent’s Club members Long Tamara Osivwemu and Yanira Wandera. A performance of James Weldon Johnson’s “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by resident Terry Gascie followed.

The showcase featured 17 acts composed of Pioneer Elementary students and alumni who highlighted a variety of African-American authors, including Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The showcase orators were Alana Osivwemu, Jack Mundy, Marcelo Wandera, Connor Torres, Cooper Torres, Avaneesh Tiwari, Emma Kim, Nadean Long, Natalie

Chiprich, Victoria Castor, Janalyse Nnanta, Jax Johnson, Christina Castor, Josie Chiprich, Samraat Rikhye, Krisha Patel, Tvisha Pawaskar, Anant Thapliyal, Achala Mukunda, Josie Chiprich and Karter Moorhouse.

There were also dance performances from Alana Osivwemu, Mya Obligacion, and Pioneer Elementary alumna Aaliyah Wandera. The orators were given awards at the end of the showcase, and led the audience in a dance.

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The Pioneer Parents’ Club was inspired by the Oakland Unified School District Martin Luther King, Jr. Oratorical Fest, which is in its 44th year. They said their hope is that the rest of Brentwood schools will come together to create a district-wide movement.

The Pioneer Parents’ Club, of Pioneer Elementary School, hosted an Oratorical Fest and Showcase to celebrate Black History Month.

For more information and to view student submissions, visit http://bit. ly/3YNx2Wr

To view a video and a slideshow, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia