Page 17 - Language and Literacy Project Stories Revised

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I stood beside my best friend in the darkness
backstage, the nervous, anticipatory energy practically
creating sparks in the air. As we mentally rehearsed our
lines, I squeezed BT’s hand, anxiously waiting for our
stage cue.

This was AfricaFest. AfricaFest was one of my high
school’s three annual cultural celebrations, where students
prepared various acts to display their unique culture.
AfricaFest was centered around the intersection of Black
and African culture. As preparations for the Fest rolled
around, students were on overdrive, constantly rehearsing
dances and repeating lines.

I had been the Skits Committee Head; therefore, I was
in charge of preparing skits about both African and Black
culture to act as interludes between major acts. For
months, I was carefully drafting skit scripts and holding
practices until everything was perfect. The days leading
up to AfricaFest, we held our final dress rehearsals,
cleaning up the last minor hiccups.

Finally, the day had come. Two hours before
showtime, performers ate a prepared dinner, ranging from
my favorite Nigerian dishes to Black soul food. I chatted
with my peers, each from different places around the
world, each here to celebrate their unique cultures. With

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