The African American Achievers (Triple A) club held its second annual Black History program on Wednesday, Feb. 21, in the Pattonville High School Auditorium. Doors opened at 6 p.m. for the art showcase, an art show that featured art inspired by the African American culture created by students and community members, and the program began at 6:30 p.m.

The Triple A production titled “The Playlist” was a show that encompassed African American history in two hours through song, dance, poetry and motivational speaking. Triple A has been preparing for the show and was proud to see their hard work pay off.

Senior Bria Griffith, vice president of Triple A, said it was a challenge preparing for the show.

“Trying to be creative and do things different from our show last year was really hard.”

Griffith performed different forms of dance.

“We chose to do praise dance because it’s a major part of black culture that many people have not seen before,” she said. “It’s an interpretive dance that allows you to really express yourself.”

The treasurer of Triple A, senior Yohanes Mulat, served as a host for the event that was attended by district superintendent Dr. Mike Fulton, incoming superintendent Dr. Tim Pecoraro and many PHS students, staff, family members, and alumni.

Mulat explained why he enjoyed doing the show.

“I think the program was important because we wanted people to realize the diversity within the community,” he said. “With what happened this year in our school, I think it’s important to understand the culture of others.”

The theme of the show, like an actual playlist, represented a lot of different people with a lot of different backgrounds coming together to show African American History.

President Terrell Henderson said he loved the theme that the group created for the show.

“Diversity among black culture was portrayed throughout the program,” the junior said. “There were performances from the past and present eras that represented black culture. This shows our uniqueness and potential as a race.”

A few members of the club performed a skit based on the Delmar Divide- the history of segregation in St. Louis. Maliyah Clemoens (12) was one of them.

“I loved working with my fellow members and seeing the show come together perfectly,” she said. “After my performance, I was extremely happy that we accomplished a successful second annual black history program.”

If you are wanting to get involved with Triple A, students can contact the club’s sponsor, Ms. Kara White, in Room H215.