Celebrating Black History Month

Grace commemorated Black History Month by celebrating the many contributions of Black people while honoring their struggles, both past and present.

First graders traveled to the Jackie Robinson Museum, where they learned about his journey to become the first African American to play in Major League Baseball and the broader societal impact of his accomplishments. Continuing with their social studies unit around oppression and empowerment, third graders delved into mini-courses designed to foster a deeper understanding of the vibrant cultural movement known as the Harlem Renaissance. Through studies of poetry, in particular the work of Langston Hughes, dance, fashion, and musical and visual arts, they immersed themselves in an era that symbolized resilience, creativity, and empowerment for the Black community. Middle schoolers constructed individual cube sculptures commemorating the life and activism of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and kindergarteners and seventh graders alike drew inspiration from artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, creating dinosaur paintings and a portrait of the artist, respectively, incorporating elements of his Neo-Expressionist style of art—in particular his bold use of color, texture, symbols, and text. 

At the end of the month, members of Amazing GRACE, a high school affinity space for students, faculty, and staff of color, hosted the high school’s annual Black History Month Chapel. Through speeches, poetry, and song, members celebrated Black culture, paying tribute to their experiences and those of their ancestors. The service began with a stirring performance from gospel singer Kiena Williams, who also joined our Early Childhood and Lower School Chapels earlier in the week, leading students and their families in a spirited sing-a-long of “This Little Light of Mine.” MiChelle Carpenter, Faculty Advisor to Amazing GRACE, also spoke at the Middle School Chapel in honor of the month. Students in the Lower School paid tribute to Rosa Parks during their chapel service, celebrating her bravery and her lifelong commitment to advancing equality for Black people. Throughout the month in chapel, students across divisions explored readings from Black Americans, learning from the strength and wisdom of Rosa Parks, Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou, James Baldwin, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Pauli Murray, Chinua Achebe, Colson Whitehead, Mahalia Jackson, Howard Thurman, W.E.B. DuBois, Amanda Gorman, and Morgan Harper Nichols, to name a few.

Through ongoing projects, reflective conversations, and inclusive curriculum that embraces diverse perspectives and voices, Grace strives to embody the sentiment shared by Reverend Wood when she concluded the Lower School Black History Month Chapel by saying, “We continue giving thanks for the blessing of Black History Month, history that’s made every single day of the year.”