(02/28/2024) Anoka High School (AHS) students hosted a program Feb. 26 to provide opportunities to listen, learn and celebrate diverse backgrounds in honor of Black History Month. Performances included poetry, song and dance from individual students, in addition to the AHS Majorettes and STEP team.
The keynote speaker was Stephen Trent, the founder and executive director of Be the Best Foundation, which provides scholarships and financial literacy resources to black, indigenous people of color (BIPOC). Trent shared his background with 25 years of service in the United States (U.S) Army, attaining the rank of colonel, completing three tours in the U.S. Pentagon and served as the Chief Financial Office for commands in Kuwait and Korea. Most recently, Trent served as Vice President of Finance at Metropolitan State University, Mitchell Hamline School of Law and North Hennepin Community College.
Trent encouraged students to be the best they can be and to start charting their future career paths, now, providing career exploration and scholarship resources. In addition, Trent inspired students with messages that they will “reap what they sow,” and that the good they put out into the world will come back to them.
Student emcees Brianna Davis and Mya Hough shared thoughtful quotes from Booker T. Washington, and Barack and Michelle Obama. The event concluded with a fashion show, to exhibit clothing of a variety of cultures. Fashion from Liberia, Toto, Nigeria, Guinea, Oromia and Jamaica were featured.
