CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH AT ST. B’S
Carter G. Woodson, an African American historian, felt passionate about his mission to celebrate the history and accomplishments of black people in the United States. While working to see his dream come to fruition, Woodson set the foundation for what is now known as Black History Month or African American History Month. It is observed annually every February. Since the 1970s United States presidents have issued national decrees with a theme each year. This year’s theme for African American History Month is “Hallowed Grounds: Sites of African American Memories.”
Carter G. Woodson, an African American historian, felt passionate about his mission to celebrate the history and accomplishments of black people in the United States. While working to see his dream come to fruition, Woodson set the foundation for what is now known as Black History Month or African American History Month. It is observed annually every February. Since the 1970s United States presidents have issued national decrees with a theme each year. This year’s theme for African American History Month is “Hallowed Grounds: Sites of African American Memories.”
St. Bernard’s celebrates Black History Month in many different ways throughout the school. If you are on the fourth floor of St. B’s during Black History Month, you may hear the melodious sound of the boys singing the old Negro spiritual Wade in the Water. You might also get stumped by one of Mr. Demeny’s Black History Month trivia questions.
Go down one flight of stairs and you will see the third grade Black History Month reports in the hallway and in Ms. Wagner’s classroom. You will also find a selection of books showcased throughout the library to celebrate black history.
After you travel down yet another flight of stairs to the kindergarten, have a seat on the rug because it is story time. The boys in K North and K South read many stories related to Black History Month, but a teacher favorite is Five Notable Inventors by Wade Hudson.
As you exit the elevator on the first floor, you will see the bulletin board dedicated to diversity and inclusion. It has been used to encourage celebration, awareness, and tribute. Most recently, the bulletin board featured Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the Chinese New Year, and the Underground Railroad. The school has welcomed the participation of the Parents Association Community Gathering Committee, which generously volunteered to assist with the monthly bulletin board project. Pilar C., one of the committee co-chairs, was the creative genius who mapped the Underground Railroad trail through Manhattan and Brooklyn on an 1850s map of New York City. New York City buildings used to help the slaves hide on their search for freedom are also featured on this map. It is one of the best bulletin boards created by this committee, and we greatly appreciate the contribution.
Finally, head down to the cafeteria and enjoy some Jamaican cuisine. Thanks to Simone Sobers, Jamaican Lunch Day is in its twelfth year and is held in February as a tribute to Black History Month. The boys are never disappointed by the assortment of Caribbean dishes with the patties being the boys’ favorite.
These are just some of the many ways we commemorate Black History Month at St. Bernard’s. Hopefully, our community will have fond memories to share with others. We also hope that people have learned something new about the many contributions of black Americans.
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St. Bernard’s celebrates Black History Month in many different ways throughout the school. If you are on the fourth floor of St. B’s during Black History Month, you may hear the melodious sound of the boys singing the old Negro spiritual Wade in the Water. You might also get stumped by one of Mr. Demeny’s Black History Month trivia questions.
Go down one flight of stairs and you will see the third grade Black History Month reports in the hallway and in Ms. Wagner’s classroom. You will also find a selection of books showcased throughout the library to celebrate black history.
After you travel down yet another flight of stairs to the kindergarten, have a seat on the rug because it is story time. The boys in K North and K South read many stories related to Black History Month, but a teacher favorite is Five Notable Inventors by Wade Hudson.
As you exit the elevator on the first floor, you will see the bulletin board dedicated to diversity and inclusion. It has been used to encourage celebration, awareness, and tribute. Most recently, the bulletin board featured Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the Chinese New Year, and the Underground Railroad. The school has welcomed the participation of the Parents Association Community Gathering Committee, which generously volunteered to assist with the monthly bulletin board project. Pilar C., one of the committee co-chairs, was the creative genius who mapped the Underground Railroad trail through Manhattan and Brooklyn on an 1850s map of New York City. New York City buildings used to help the slaves hide on their search for freedom are also featured on this map. It is one of the best bulletin boards created by this committee, and we greatly appreciate the contribution.
Finally, head down to the cafeteria and enjoy some Jamaican cuisine. Thanks to Simone Sobers, Jamaican Lunch Day is in its twelfth year and is held in February as a tribute to Black History Month. The boys are never disappointed by the assortment of Caribbean dishes with the patties being the boys’ favorite.
These are just some of the many ways we commemorate Black History Month at St. Bernard’s. Hopefully, our community will have fond memories to share with others. We also hope that people have learned something new about the many contributions of black Americans.
