On February 6th, 2026, Tracy’s Grand Theatre Center of the Arts hosted an event in honor of Black History Month, called Black Brilliance. Tracy does not have a lot of black history events, so the Grand Theatre’s showcase of black history was very significant. The Theatre partnered with the City of Tracy and The Tracy Area Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. They aimed to educate children about Black Brilliance.
Melyssa Barrett, the event co-chair, spoke on the importance of the event. Barett mentioned how she wanted to educate children who have not learned about this topic. Even though it was an event on Black Brilliance, it is not limited to only the black community attending. Barett is a very big advocate for children being curious and able to explore.
“This is not a black event; this is an event that highlights black history everyone is invited and included,” Barret explains. 
During the interview, Barett was asked if she thought this event would have an impact on Tracy’s community and what she would hope for if it did.
“Well, I hope they are inspired to learn more about black history and I think a lot of times Black history is overlooked, its forgotten, there are folks who are trying to change our history, and it’s really important for us to stand for our own truth and make sure we are telling our stories,” Barett shares.
Professor Manu Ampim, a historian and primary researcher specializing in Africana studies, was askedhow he wanted to inspire the youth to bring about change.
“Inspiring the youth is to really help them from what I call is historical amnesia, because people have forgotten they have lost their memory of African culture, African traditions, and African contributions to the world,”Ampim said.
Ampim then adds by saying how he would help the youth and teach them about Black Brilliance.
“So, for me my entire life is to inspire people and help them imagine being greater than what they are,” Ampim said.
Ampim was very glad to come out to Tracy and be able to inspire those around him. When asked how people responded to his teachings, he answered by saying most reactions were very positive. He is also very glad to go to other countries and talk to African kings and chiefs and that the kings and chiefs were very happy he was keeping their culture alive.
Tanya Vaughn helped show that this event was initially made to illuminate the path going forward.Vaughn went on to explain why this event was so significant in retrospect.
“This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Black history week and what sets up the foundation for Black history month,” Vaughn shares.
Vaughn explained that this year’s program was especially meaningful due to the fact that it reflectslegacy and focusing on the path ahead. She then explains some of the highlights that were happening like live performances, youth voices, and community recognition.
“Music, dance, and spoken words are woven through out the program to reflect cultural expression and inheritance,” Vaughn adds.
Black Brilliance teaches the youth it is not shameful to love your culture and embrace it without embarrassment. Black Brilliance was an event to showcase Black Brilliance but to encourage others to come and witness how wonderful it is to be curious and learn about other traditions.
