It was a student-centered Black History Month event on Feb. 25 at the Thomas J. Moyer Ohio Judicial Center.

Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor welcomed the audience to the seventh annual event.

“Each year, we gather to recognize and celebrate the contributions of African Americans to the rich history of Ohio and the United States,” O’Connor said.

Tijuana Humbert, a senior at Gahanna Lincoln High School, performed an emotional monologue “Birmingham Ballad” about the 1963 bombing in Birmingham, Alabama at a predominantly black congregation that killed four girls.

A panel discussion followed the performance, with four students from the Law and Leadership Institute (LLI) serving as panelists and moderator. The discussion began with each student explaining what the quote, “Always stand up for what is right, even if it means you have to stand alone,” meant to them. Columbus Alternative High School senior Akua Sefa challenged her peers to stand up for what they believe in.

“Every great movement started with one person. That one person, at first, was the exception and later became the norm,” Sefa said.

Before concluding the event, Court Administrative Director Michael Buenger praised the students who participated: “I am inspired by the young people who are with us today, and your commitment. I think our future is bright.”

To view the complete program, visit The Ohio Channel.