Every February, Marlborough celebrates Black History Month, a time to reflect on the contributions Black Americans have made to our society. This year, the leaders of the African American Cultural Exchange (AACE) affinity group plan to engage our community with Black history and culture through a series of school-wide programming.
On campus, AACE is a safe space for Black students to connect with their peers. This year, AACE leaders have initiated the first-ever Shades for Solidarity, which means that students wear a different color of the pan-African flag on each first day of the week throughout the month of February. AACE Advisor Brian Smith explained that the red is for the blood of the people, green is for the vibrant land in the continent of Africa and black is for the unified people.
“I feel it is an engaging way to educate the Marlborough community about the contributions African Americans have made to our society, in addition to the challenges we have had to overcome along the way,” AACE Vice President Maniya ’26 said.
Additionally, AACE representatives will lead an advisory lesson highlighting historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) across the United States.
AACE Co-President Savanna ’25 explained that while some students are familiar with well-known HBCUs like Howard University and Spelman College, it’s important that the entire community fully comprehends both the prestige and academics offered by these schools.
Moreover, the advisory lesson will cover the Divine Nine, a group of historically Black sororities and fraternities that have significantly impacted Black culture and communities since the early 1900s. Former Vice President Kamala Harris attended Howard University where she became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, a sorority in the Divine Nine.
“Having a vice president and then a presidential candidate who came from an HBCU and from a Black sorority, it is important to let people know how much that means to her and the Black community,” AACE Co-President Milan ’25 said.
Following tradition, AACE held their annual Soul Food Luncheon on Feb. 10 in the Brittain Bradley Family Plaza with chicken, pulled pork, mac and cheese, collard greens and more from Bludso’s BBQ.
Aside from Black History Month, this year’s AACE leadership aims to hold both organized and entertaining meetings so that attendees remain engaged throughout the rest of the year. By implementing games and other upbeat activities, younger members are more energetic and passionate to attend than ever before.
“Before I became president, there was definitely a different energy. Attendance was very flaky, and younger students were not sure if they should come,” Milan said. “I wanted to remodel what AACE looks like to make it much more positive and to celebrate Black joy while acknowledging Black trauma at the same time.”
