Isa Rivas Named Miss Nation Ford NAFO celebrates Black History Month

by Felicia Okereke

As part of Nation Ford High’s celebration of Black History Month 2023, themed “Black Resistance: Building Bridges and Navigating Barriers,” students can see music and dance performances in the auditorium during FLEX today.

Olivia Bennett (‘23) and Nyla Riley’s (‘23) dance will illustrate music history in a performance entitled “The Bigger Picture” by CJ and Friends in the auditorium.

Next Tuesday on Feb. 28, a team of students from each grade will play Black Culture Jeopardy moderated by Ethan Lewis in the auditorium. The winning team will get a prize. Students can sign up on the Enriching Students app.

Earlier this month, activities included a Kickball Trivia event and Super Icy Brothers Feb. 10, and a ca- reer panel Black entrepreneurs + HBCU experience from alumni on Feb. 16.

Black History Month reminds Americans of important events that happened in the U.S. and to acknowledge those who were frequently left out of American history.

Biology teacher Benson Seisay says it’s important to celebrate this month to remember what African American ancestors went through and the contributions they’ve made.

In February 1976, the U.S. is officially celebrated Black History Month for the first time; 47 years have passed since then.

“BHM should be celebrated by everyone, regardless of race. Everyone should celebrate it,” Seisay added.

After a competitive pageant, faculty sponsor Kristi Kruft crowns Isa Rivas (‘23) this year’s Miss Nation Ford on Jan. 26 while participant Ashlyn Myers (‘23) applauds. Rivas was the winner of a $1,000 scholarship. The Scholarship Pageant is an event where girls of all grade levels come together for a fun and formal evening. The pageant was held on Thursday, Jan. 26 in the auditorium. The bond between the girls was strong. “You get to learn a lot from [the girls] and also just feeling good about yourself and having an opportunity to just really dress up,” participant Ava-Grace Robinson (‘25) said.