Rising Junior Laila Christian’s documentary on singer Billie Holiday for National History Day was selected to be featured in a virtual documentary showcase by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. Laila’s documentary, titled “Communication in Song: How Lady Day Paved the Way,” explores the life and work of Billie Holiday and her accomplishments, and how her performance of “Strange Fruit” in 1939 - with its tragic and powerful lyrics - was key in getting others to understand the horrors of the constant lynchings of African Americans after the Civil War. Laila’s documentary and the rest of the virtual showcase will be available for viewing from June 16-23. Laila’s documentary earned honors in the National History Day State of Ohio Competition in April. Her teacher was Sarah Davis. You can watch Laila’s documentary here.