Written by Anna Rogers
Culpeper, VA – On Friday, February 27, 2026, Culpeper County High School hosted its annual Black History Month assembly, an event designed by students and teachers to honor Black Americans and celebrate history and heritage.
This year’s program, headed by English teacher Jennifer Davis, focused on the 100th anniversary of Black History Month, which began in 1926 as Negro History Week by Carter G. Woodson, and highlighted heroes of the past and present.
The first acts of the program celebrated the arts, including music, poetry, and song.
After a musical duet by seniors Eden Boss and Tiffany Nguyen in tribute to civil rights activist Ella Baker, junior Labria Thomas read her original poem, “When Our Roots Learned to Bloom.” The poem is Thomas’ reflection on the personal and cultural significance of Black hair. She writes, “Every strand on my head tells a story — of survival, invention, beauty, and brilliance.” As Thomas read, assembly participants lined the stage, showing off their different hairstyles and textures, providing a strong and compelling visual to the poem.
The poem was followed by two songs. Tim Winchell, Taliah White, Jonas Sledge, Karston Kalenga and Tyreek Brown sang “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Then Winchell, accompanied by Kalenga on the piano, performed a powerful and moving rendition of Sam Cooke’s Civil Rights anthem “A Change is Gonna Come.” To conclude the celebration of heroes of the past, senior Braylon Kendrick recited excerpts of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
As the program shifted to heroes of the present, senior Ryleigh Harrup took the podium to introduce CCHS’s Dr. Vickie McBride.
“Today we gather heroes of the past and celebrate heroes walking among us,” Harrup said. “A modern trailblazer, who represents perseverance, purpose, and the spirit of education, she shows that success can be generational and your current circumstances don’t determine your future.”
McBride appeared on stage with her son, both decked out in their academic regalia. The McBrides made history by both earning their PhDs from the same institution on the same day.
“I was blazing a trail for [my son], and I’m proud of him and thankful for him making that journey with me,” McBride said. Addressing the audience, she continued, “There is no limit to your abilities. You define the situation. You determine the outcome.”
The program concluded with a student dance off and a Soul Train dance line, performed by students and teachers. Year after year, the Black History Month assembly proves to be a celebration of culture and heritage to CCHS students and the community.