By Megha Khemka, Junior Editor-in-Chief; photos by Sophia Borgula

At the end of a month of advisory trivia, informative lessons, and incredible art centered around Black identity at Payton, Black Student Union’s Compass during enrichment on Friday, February 24 was a powerful showcase of Black histories, heritage, and cultures. It included performances highlighting a diversity of backgrounds and talents, including the Afro-Brazilian martial art capoeira, majorette dancing, slam poetry, step-dancing, and more. Also featured were tributes to significant Black activists throughout history in recognition of their work and legacy.

Buck or Die, Payton’s first ever majorette dance team, rehearsed in the atrium before performing, accompanied by enthusiastic signs and applause, at the Black History Month Compass (1-5). Quincy Washington was among the presenters who spotlit significant elements of Black resistance throughout history and to this day (6). Ephraim Balogun taught and demonstrated some movements from capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian tradition that combines martial arts, gymnastics, and dance, practicing with Natan Hatcher (7). Students from across dance teams faced off against teachers in a dance battle with no clear winner (8). Devan Brown and Nala Brown performed an original slam poetry piece about resistance (9). Other groups showcased different forms of dance, including step-dancing (10-11). Photos are numbered left to right, top to bottom.