Black History Month Starts Today!

Good Morning Students and Staff,

I wanted to give a nod to the start of Black History Month today.  February marks a time set aside to celebrate the important contributions that people of color have made to our American history and culture.  Each day during Black History Month, I will highlight one individual that I think you should know about, but I challenge you to seek out those who have made significant contributions as well.  As I mentioned in my question of the day today, you should make it a point this month (and, well always) to make sure that what you read, watch, and listen to is filled with diversity.  In order to make sure the voices and life experiences of BIPOC (Black Indigenous, People of Color) are heard, we need to learn about them through storytelling, art, cultural events, and history.  Making our school, community, and state a more welcoming and inclusive place for all starts with each of you.  Our school district has made a commitment to bring to the table the voices of BIPOC individuals in our school community.  Will you help be part of that effort?  

Today I want to highlight Carter G. Woodson who is considered to be the father of black history.  Woodson, who lived from 1875-1950 was a teacher, author, editor, publisher, and historian.  He taught others about the importance of black history, believing that if young people of color knew of their history, it would inspire them to make significant contributions to history themselves.  He helped establish Black History Month by founding Negro History Week in 1937, which has evolved today to become known today as Black History Month.  Woodson was born to parents who were former slaves and had few opportunities in his early life to receive an education.  However, as opportunities arose in his 20's he took them, eventually earning his high school diploma, a bachelor's degree in Literature, and a master's degree.  He and also earned a Ph.D. in 1912 from Harvard. (NAACP)    

If you'd like to learn more about Mr. Woodson, you can visit this site from the National Park Service or the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum site here. 

As I mentioned in my Google Classroom last week, our school board is looking for student voice and input on two matters relevant to our current climate:  the possible renaming of Thatcher Brook Primary School and the idea of raising the Black Lives Matter Flag on our school campuses.  If you'd like to know more about these matters and/or make a public comment, click here to find out more.  

I look forward to sharing more with you all as we move through the month of February.  But to really kick off our new week on a positive note, here's a classic song from Nina Simone.  


  

I hope you are all feelin' good!  Have a great day!  

Mrs. Hempey


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