Celebrating Black History Month
Chorus teacher Rahsaan McNeill introduced his students and directed them in singing The Lord Bless You and Keep You and Ain’t That Good News.
Schools across Wake County plan a number of activities for students for Black History Month.
At Durant Road Middle School, students in Wilbert Mitchell’s Career Technology class will study black entrepreneurs.
“There are many African Americans who have greatly contributed to our way of life and many students are not aware of these contributions,” said Mitchell. “By learning about these accomplishments, all students can appreciate these African Americans for their efforts to better society.”
In the assignment, students will select an African American known for their inventions, education, academics, technology, or work for equal rights and explain their contribution.
“I expect my students to gain new knowledge and insight about inventors, scholars, teachers, philanthropists, scientists and preachers,” said Mitchell. “I want my students to know that anything can be achieved if an individual puts their mind to it, and to set their goals high.”
At Scotts Ridge Elementary, first graders will stage a Famous African-American Wax Museum.
“Our study of famous African Americans spans across the first grade curriculum,” said teacher Amy Chapman. “It aligns with several of our social studies objectives, such as explaining why national holidays such as Martin Luther King, Jr. Day are celebrated.”
Students will study a famous African American and then the school will invite parents and guests to the school. Students will share what they learned with the visitors.
“This study offers the opportunity to work on our first grade speaking and writing objectives,” said Chapman. “We do shared research, develop biographies to write like historians and present our information using technology and dramatization.”
WCPSS will recognize African-Americans who were the first to integrate schools in the 1960s with A Salute To The Trailblazers in a celebration at Marbles Kids Museum on February 19.
Teams of students will compete on February 20 in the WCPSS African-American History Quiz Bowl in the auditorium at East Millbrook Magnet Middle.