Black Lives Matter Week Kicks Off Black History Month

In Morning Meeting, Pre-Primary teachers are introducing accomplishments of notable African Americans such as Amy Sherald, Mae Jemison, Philip Freelon, and Arthur Mitchell. Classes are discussing questions such as, How is skin color made? What does fairness look like? and What does justice mean? Explorers Room Teachers Lisa Powell and Sara Siegrist read a book about Martin Luther King, Jr. to the children. When Lisa reached the part in the book where the young King is no longer allowed to play with his White friends, children exclaimed, “That’s not fair!” “That’s not nice!” Lisa used the moment as an opportunity to talk to children about what they can do when they see something unfair.

In Primary School and Middle School, door decorations are in the works to honor people in the African American community fighting for social justice, including lesser-known individuals who have made a difference. Middle School students have begun brainstorming inspiring quotes and people for their doors during Delta. In the Primary School doors honoring Katherine Johnson, Dominique Dawes, and Mari Copeny (also known as Little Miss Flint for her activism representing the children of Flint, Michigan in the fight for clean water) are already taking shape. First graders are honoring Ruby Bridges, and 2nd graders have made drawings highlighting the 13 guiding principles of Black Lives Matter. Auxiliary Program Director Dawn Smith’s door celebrates natural black beauty and features Madam CJ Walker who created a line of African American hair care products and was one of the first women to become a self-made millionaire.

This is the second year teachers and students are decorating doors for Black History Month. The doors offer learning opportunities for students of all ages to explore as they walk through the hallways. The doors stand as a testament to the central role Black Americans have had in shaping social equity in the US.