February was a month full of energy and inspiration as we celebrated Black History Month, honoring the trailblazers who paved the way and the incredible achievements of our own community. From creative student projects to powerful events that brought us all together, the spirit of unity and pride filled the air. We embraced the opportunity to learn, reflect, and celebrate both the past and present contributions of Black Americans, while inspiring each other to continue making a lasting impact. Below are stories that showcase a snippet of how we honored and celebrated Black history and the many contributions of Black Americans.
BHM at Upper School
The Upper School’s Black History Month celebration on February 12 featured spoken-word artist Donovan Livingston, who facilitated an array of engaging classroom presentations. During a Division-wide assembly, he delivered his acclaimed poem “Lift Off” as well as other moving poetic pieces. The day was capped off with a lively community barbeque. Students, parents, and faculty came together to celebrate the themes of resilience, prosperity, and triumph. The BBQ event showcased a variety of African and African American dishes, such as Nigerian jollof rice and food catered by Mr. Jack’s Soul Food. The day’s activities created a vibrant atmosphere of connection, unity, and appreciation for Black history and culture. Read more about the event in this article titled From Struggles to “Lift Off,” Raiders Honor Black History Through Gold, Green, and Growth by student journalist Megan Markus ’28. Photo courtesy of The Raider Voice
First Grade Designs Their Own ‘Breakfast of Champions’
For decades, cereal boxes have been known for featuring images of prominent athletes on their packaging. First graders in Mrs. Mas’ class designed their own cereal brand featuring influential persons of color. Each student researched a prominent figure and decorated their box with quotes, pictures, and more. Apple Jackson, named after Associate Justice of the Supreme Court Kentanji Brown Jackson, boasts the word justice, while another box celebrated the acheivements of tennis player Serena Williams with the title Serena’s Smashing Puffs.
Live Art in Action: An Inspirational Mural Creation
Lower and Middle School students will enjoy an assembly by Anthony Renelle Reed II, better known in the Art Community as ‘Mojo.‘ Mojo is a professional Contemporary Artist based in Miami, FL, whose work has gained significant recognition for its vibrant depictions of Black American Culture. His unique perspective on visual storytelling, shaped by his upbringing in St. Louis, MO, drives his commitment to uplifting and empowering communities through his art. As a graduate of the prestigious Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD), Mojo has worked with prominent organizations like Nike, Forbes, and HBO Max, and is passionate about using his creative talents to inspire others. In addition to his artistic endeavors, Mojo founded Healing with Hues, Inc., a non-profit dedicated to art therapy, community-based art initiatives, and youth development. His mission is to elevate and positively influence society through powerful visual narratives, mentoring young artists, and bringing public fine art to underserved communities.
During the assembly on February 28, Mojo will create a live mural, giving students a firsthand look at his creative process and the power of art in shaping our world.
Fourth Graders Spotlight African American Trailblazers 
Fourth graders in Mrs. Ramos class researched famous Black Americans and created a “Who Was/Is” style picture book for Kindergarten students. They had to adapt their research into simple, clear text that would be easy for young readers to understand. This included using text features like bold print and simple definitions for complex ideas. Students also chose whether to illustrate their books themselves or use digital images from a curated database. The project allowed them to practice writing for an audience, presenting information clearly, and thinking visually to create an educational and engaging book for young learners. This book by Enzo Concepcion ’33 features the life and legacy of baseball player Jackie Robinson
Celebrating Black History Month with a Fun Crossword Puzzle Challenge
This Black History Month, Lower School students had the opportunity to participate in a fun and interactive activity with the Black History Crossword Puzzle Game! Each day, the Early Bird Broadcast announcers shared fascinating facts about influential African American figures, offering clues for the crossword puzzle along the way. Students worked together as a class to solve the puzzle, using the information from the daily announcements. It was a wonderful way to engage the students, encourage teamwork, and deepen their understanding of Black history in an enjoyable and educational way.
