Middle school students kick off Black History Month celebrations
On Monday, Feb. 5, middle school students kicked off their celebration of Black History Month by learning about inspirational Black leaders. More than a dozen students volunteered to research an influential Black individual and share their findings with their peers. With poise and grace, students presented on experts in a variety of careers from astronauts to authors and athletes to artists.
Each student shared a brief summary of their selected leader’s influence on Black history, and they cited an encouraging quote as well. The leaders included Mae Jemison, George Washington Carver, Katherine Johnson, Jackie Robinson, Simone Biles, Alvin Ailey, Maya Angelou, and James Weldon Johnson.
Author Maya Angelou penned the poem “Touched by an Angel,” and Lalani Jacobs ’30 and Devyn Frederick ’31 recited the poem. Similarly, Rocco Slater ‘31 celebrated James Weldon Johnson, the songwriter who wrote “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” which is recognized as the Black national anthem. Katy Waldhauser ’28 performed “Lift Every Voice and Sing” with teachers Elizabeth Schall, DiAndrea Brown, Jonathan Sykes, and Jennifer Pinkett Smith.
"Celebrating Black History Month brings joy to my heart because it is time where we can learn about and acknowledge those “little known” Black history facts that are often overlooked, but very relevant to our overall history," explains Pinkett Smith, director of diversity.
"Not only do I learn something new every year, but I have found this year that our older students, specifically high school students have been very involved in the learning and have shared their discoveries with me and their classmates in their pursuit to further educate themselves and others on Black History," Pinkett Smith continues.
"Learning from our past and applauding those who have sacrificed for a better community is a way that we can truly honor our Black history pioneers and heroes."
"Celebrating Black History Month brings joy to my heart because it is time where we can learn about and acknowledge those “little known” Black history facts that are often overlooked, but very relevant to our overall history," explains Pinkett Smith, director of diversity.
"Not only do I learn something new every year, but I have found this year that our older students, specifically high school students have been very involved in the learning and have shared their discoveries with me and their classmates in their pursuit to further educate themselves and others on Black History," Pinkett Smith continues.
"Learning from our past and applauding those who have sacrificed for a better community is a way that we can truly honor our Black history pioneers and heroes."
Middle school students, thank you for leading us into Black History Month!
