Celebrating Black History Month
LOWER SCHOOL
Lower School faculty members Gladys Alfaro Moisa and Jasmine Jackson made an impact by creating a visual gallery walk for LS students, staff, and visitors to enjoy. Lower School teachers also used this resource, curated by Ms. Alfaro Moisa, to supplement their lessons in the classroom.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
On February 22, the Middle School held a special assembly featuring a Discovery Theater production of How Old Is a Hero? The play, infused with music of the Civil Rights era, celebrates three young people who helped change the nation by their heroic actions – Ernest Green of the Little Rock Nine, Claudette Colvin, and Ruby Bridges. Their stories provide inspiring examples of perseverance, courage, social change, civil rights, and activism.
Also, try your hand at Black History Bingo, courtesy of fifth grade homeroom teacher and DEI coordinator Alisha McClain!
INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL
On February 21, IS students, faculty, and staff gathered in the Center Spangler for an assembly led by members of the division's Black Student Alliance. Chinwe Chuke '28, Omega Girma '28, Ismail Karim '28, Imani Nzekwe '28, and Isis Nzekew '28 joined Upper School guest presenters Daylen Dimps '24, Nina Endale '24, and Monica Mbakop '26 in celebrating Black history through various forms of expression. The presenters touched on the many contributions of Black Americans and how each person can help to fulfill Dr. King's vision of the "beloved community."
UPPER SCHOOL
On February 8, the US Black Student Union held their annual assembly to celebrate Black History Month and commemorate the contributions and achievements that Black/African American people have made throughout the history of the United States. This year's theme was the power of Black expression. Maya Davis '23, Hannah De Souza '25, Daylen Dimps '24, Nuna Endale '24, Camron Franklin '23, Bethel Girma '23, Morgan Hubbard '25, Blaze Jones '23, and Isabella Sequar '24 took to the stage to educate the audience and celebrate Black history through various forms of expression.
A special thanks goes out to Jeff Ballou, journalist and former National Press Club president, who gave the keynote address. Mr. Ballou challenged the students to "look in the mirror and...give yourself that gut check: Am I keeping it real with myself?" He went on to say, "You...have the ability to cut through the noise – on Twitter, on Tiktok, and everywhere else in society – and deal with all of the pressures you are facing, and be your truest self. And that is the true power of expression."