Singer Nikko Smith and his band performed for free at MHS on Monday, Feb. 27 during Aclab as a Black History Month event organized by Shelly Justin, language arts teacher, and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.

Smith is the son of former American baseball player Ozzie Smith and was a ninth-place finalist on season four of “American Idol”.

Angel French, junior, was one of the students who went to the concert.

“My teacher was saying that we should go,” French said. “I didn’t really want to at first, but found that some of my friends were going too.”

French said she greatly enjoyed hearing Smith sing a style of music that was important to her and many other peoples’ cultural/ethnic backgrounds.

“I just enjoyed listening to a Black R&B singer at the school,” French said. “It made me feel very proud of my culture and my background. Even though the month is over now, I think that’s super important.”

Alina Rodriguez, sophomore, said it was an enjoyable, fun, and overall stress-relieving experience.

“It was just cool to have a break from the regular school stuff and see someone perform here,” Rodriguez said. “I had a lot of fun.”

Justin said other members of the DEI Committee had been pushing for more performance-based events for this year’s Black History Month for a while. She thought a singer would be a great way to make students reflect on the African-American experience and have something to enjoy for the month.

“I think there’s something about music in particular that makes people feel different and brings you happiness and joy. It’s very healing and tells stories.” Justin said.

Justin said she finds music to be unifying and peaceful, and hoped students would feel the same.
“I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like music in some way,” Justin said. “I think it just reminds us that we’re all human.”