Robbinsville High School’s Black Culture Club, now in its fifth year, continues to grow as a space for Black students to celebrate their heritage, build friendships and foster a sense of belonging.
The club welcomed Robbinsville Schools Superintendent Dr. Patrick Pizzo as a guest during its March 19 meeting, where senior Ariana Tomlinson, the club’s social media director, presented on “Dance In Black Culture.”
The student-led club, advised by instructional aide Donald Estrada, now includes 65 members who meet biweekly to explore various aspects of Black culture. Club meetings focus on social connection, education and cultural pride.
“I was honored to have been invited to speak at a Black Culture Meeting,” Pizzo said. “I had a great time getting to know the students and learned a lot from Ariana’s presentation. Congratulations to Mr. Estrada and all the club’s members for building such a wonderful community.”
In addition to presentations on topics such as food, art and music, the club organizes educational trips to institutions significant to Black history and culture.
Past destinations include Howard University, the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington D.C., the African American Museum in Philadelphia and an art exhibit at Montclair State University.
“Before this club was founded, Black students didn’t have a dedicated place to gather and deepen their cultural roots,” Estrada said. “The club is a place where they can really feel comfortable expressing themselves, and it has grown into a great source of pride for all involved.”
The club’s annual Black History Month Festival is a major event at Robbinsville High School, drawing food vendors, musicians and other cultural contributors from across Mercer County to celebrate Black culture.
“This club is super meaningful for everyone involved, and many of us even stay in contact with members who graduated,” Tomlinson said. “We are deeply appreciative to have the support of Dr. Pizzo and the rest of the school district and I look forward to seeing the club succeed long after I graduate.”
