Black History Month Chapel

With the theme of “Black Legacy Reset, Looking Both Forward and Back,” this year’s Black History Month Chapel began with members of Amazing Grace and Black-identifying faculty walking down the aisle of Grace Church as senior Sarah W. and the Jazz Ensemble performed “I Wish” by Stevie Wonder.
At the lectern, students shared heartfelt speeches, recited poems, and performed music focused on identity, personal reflections, and the importance of Black representation. Seniors Jameira F. and Keredin S. delivered speeches about feelings of comfort in one’s own skin and belonging at Grace. Other students debuted their own original poems, like senior Chauncey T., who spoke on internalized racism, and sophomore Sydney R., who urged the United States to fulfill its promise of the American Dream. 

Interspersed throughout the program, music rang through the Church with solos, duets, and ensembles. Junior Savvy K. and Dr. Ali performed “Song of My Father,” and sophomores Nyjah N. and Jayanth C.' performed “Call and Response,” a step and jazz duet. The Black History Month Chapel closed with an ensemble performance of “I Wish I Knew What it Meant to be Free” by Billy Taylor. 

Like other history and identity-based chapels and assemblies held throughout the year, Black History Month Chapel is an opportunity for students to share their personal experiences with their peers and to help deepen efforts for inclusion and belonging at Grace, where diversity is celebrated and affirmed.
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Grace Church School is a co-educational independent school in downtown Manhattan, New York City providing instruction for nearly 800 students in Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12.