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On Feb. 24, 2026, The King’s College Theatre Department, Multicultural and International Student Program, and the Black Student Union came together to celebrate the annual “Unity: A Black History Month Celebration,” a dynamic talent showcase celebrating Black excellence, creativity, and culture through artistic expression. This showcase allows future creators to come out and express themselves about power and identity while honoring and expressing their culture and stories about resilience.  

The event was free to King’s College and the local community. It was hosted by the Black Student Union president Mahkalya Martin ’28 and the vice president Samir Lee. This year was the second annual Unity Showcase celebration. It opened with the Black National Anthem, performances by the Rite to Remain Music, and a tribute to Black activists who have shown resilience throughout history. 

The celebration featured great community members, like Noir Rose, the owner of the Gather Community Place, and Leslie Miller, a minister at Mount Zion church. Students Clementine Mwefu ’27 and Gabriel Anibaba ’29 performed powerful, original spoken word pieces.  

“Participating in the Unity Showcase during Black History Month was an inspiring and deeply creative experience for me,” said Mwefu “As a young Black woman, I am so proud to have shared an original poem I composed about being Black, reflecting on identity, strength, and the theme of resilience. Performing my work reminded me how powerful storytelling and artistic expression can be in honoring our experiences and histories.” 

“It was also incredible to see people come together and showcase their talents through spoken word, music, dance, and stepping, celebrating culture, creativity, and unity as a community,” she added. 

Musical performances included The Mount Zion Baptist Church Mass Choir and Youth Mime Ministry. King’s Staff Member Rico performed “Mercy Mercy Me” by Mavin Gaye, and student self-inspired artist Caleb Cruz ‘27 performed his own song “Close To You” 

“I enjoyed being part of Unity and being amongst a very lively and talented group of people,” said Cruz, “I believe this showcase was a great testament of our Unity as a community, and a tremendous addition to our Black History Month events.” 

King’s College students who took King’s Gospel Music and Dance Class as well as members of Monarchs in Motion a.k.a. “Steppers” also performed at Unity Showcase  

“At first I was really nervous about performing because step requires everyone to be completely in sync, and I worried that one mistake could throw everything off,” said Dichelle Swift ‘29, a step team member. “But as we kept practicing, my confidence grew and I started trusting both myself and my team. By the time we stepped on stage, most of my nerves disappeared and I was able to focus on the rhythm and the performance. One of my favorite moments was backstage before we went on—practicing, laughing, and bonding as a team reminded me that we were all in it together.” 

“As someone who has been on stage in past theatre shows, I was really happy to be back—it’s in my nature and part of my major,” said Star Cruz ‘27, step team president. “Of course, I was nervous and worried about messing up, but once we got on stage everyone locked in and I could hear every beat in sync. Seeing my team push past their nerves and use their different talents and dance experience was the moment that stood out to me most. I am proud of them for getting on stage and using their potential to the fullest.” 

Assistant Professor of Theatre Jahmeel Powers performed a reading from “The Mountaintop,” and Ash Fields-Clarkson performed a monologue from “Hidden Figures.”  

“I really enjoyed the Unity performances because each person brought their own style, energy, and confidence to the stage,” said Neshell Gill ‘29. “It was inspiring to see how much effort everyone put into what they were doing – I loved how every performance added something unique to the event. Watching people express their talents so proudly made the whole experience feel uplifting and meaningful, and it reminded me how powerful it is when a community comes together to support one another.