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East Kentwood student displays cultural art during State Board presentation
Summary
A student from East Kentwood High School presented three art pieces to the State Board highlighting Indigenous and African American heritage and identity. The presentation showcased district art programming and the role of arts education in student belonging and learning.
An East Kentwood High School student presented a portfolio of artwork to the State Board of Education on Jan. 14, describing the pieces as a personal exploration of cultural identity and heritage.
The student, Keziah, told the board that, as Blackfoot Native American and African American, she felt parts of her culture and ancestral language had been “washed away” and that her artwork represented a search to reclaim and celebrate her roots. She described three works: one showing “time in reversal of cultural representation” in which elements of her appearance change across the piece; a second incorporating Algonquian words to “include my native tongue”; and a third titled “Abundance and Embracement,” which uses snakes and vivid colors to represent the continuing presence of her tribal traditions.
Renee Garcia, director of the Michigan Department of Education’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, introduced the student and East Kentwood art teacher Lee Le Tran. Le Tran told the board that East Kentwood is “the most diverse high school in the nation,” with more than 85 languages represented, and said the district uses AP art coursework to ask students to explore roots and identity. The teacher said Keziah’s AP portfolio was submitted as an example on the College Board website.
Board members praised the student’s work and discussed the importance of arts instruction in creating inclusive school environments. Dr. Mitchell Robinson said art, music, dance and theater are “legitimate and valid subjects” that let students explore history and culture in ways other courses do not. Several members encouraged the student to exhibit or enter competitions; Dr. Pamela Pugh suggested NAACP Arts & Culture opportunities.
Why it matters: Presentations of student work give the board direct examples of arts education outcomes and provide context for broader conversations about curriculum breadth and equitable access to arts programming across districts.
Ending: The presentation was informal and informational; no board action was required. Keziah’s artwork is on display in the board chair’s office per the transcript and the board applauded the student’s presentation.
