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Who was the first Black U.S. Supreme Court Justice?

Who invented the traffic light?

Who was the first Black female principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre?

Black History Month has been a time of learning, researching and sharing in all three divisions at Episcopal. There have been discussions in advisory meetings in Middle and Upper School, and Lower School students have learned about Black history in Morning Meeting each day of the month. Here’s a look at some of the projects.

Upper School Students Test their Knowledge

Black History Month discussions have taken place in a variety of spaces in Upper School. During a recent division meeting in the Visual and Performing Arts Center, the Upper School student government officers hosted a trivia contest during which students answered questions regarding important historical and current Black contributors. The trivia highlighted important figures such as Justice Thurgood Marshall, inventor Garrett Morgan and dancer Misty Copeland. In January, members of the African Heritage Club and the Black student affinity group also quizzed students on their knowledge of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as well as their contributions to this National Day of Service. 

In Chapel, Father Skully reflected on love as the universal language for all backgrounds and the foundation of the Episcopal Church. Father Skully highlighted the influence of Black leaders in the Episcopal Church, including Absalom Jones and the current Presiding Bishop Michael Curry. In the classroom, senior students are learning about African American authors, including Toni Morrison, Frederick Douglas, Colson Whitehead and Ralph Ellison in the African American Literature Seminar.

Earlier this month, students decorated doors and spaces throughout the Upper School highlighting the theme of belonging. “The challenge was to creatively express ways in which anyone walking through that door should feel that they ‘belong’ while encouraging the kids to represent their contribution to this sense of belonging,” says Upper School science teacher and Black student affinity group advisor Jennifer Purnell.

Middle School Advisory Groups Recognize Contributions

The learning continued in Middle School where students researched important Black contributors, including Billie Holiday, Jackie Robinson and Alvin Alley. During Chapel services, students presented what they learned to the entire Middle School division. Middle School math teacher Marian Castille says the recently formed Tapestry group helped coordinate the effort. “Tapestry’s purpose is to celebrate the richness of our different cultures, identifies, beliefs and perspectives; foster mutual respect and appreciation of our differences and similarities; raise awareness and sensitivity; and promote belonging by creating an equitable, inclusive and welcoming campus for all students,” says Castille who serves as the group’s advisor. 

Lower School Leaders Lead the Discussion

In Lower School, fifth graders researched and learned more about important historical and current Black contributors in Dana Kahn’s social studies class. “In my class, we discussed the importance of celebrating Black History Month and had conversations about famous African Americans they knew,” says Kahn. Students shared what they learned with their younger classmates each day in Morning Meeting. 

Castille says Black History Month experiences are important teaching opportunities for students of all ages. “Allowing advisory groups to choose an African-American to research and highlight increased student engagement and interest in this activity,” she says. “By doing this, students are able to educate and be educated by their peers. We hope all students take away something new about the historical contributions of African-Americans.”

Moving Forward

Learning will continue beyond Black History Month. In March, members of the Episcopal African Heritage Club will tour the National African American Museum in New Orleans and enjoy lunch at Dooky Chase’s Restaurant, which represents a stop on the “Modern Civil Rights in New Orleans” tour. In addition, the college counselors hope to organize a tour this spring of a historically black college to give students who may be interested in attending an HBCU an opportunity to learn more. In the history department, students will have the opportunity to take an African American History course next school year.

Have you tested your knowledge? The answers to the trivia questions are below:

Thurgood Marshall

Garrett Morgan

Misty Copeland

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