CHSD170's Wilson School's third-graders recently celebrated Black History Month with a program during which students came to school dressed as a person they researched who was a renowned personage in the history of the United States.
Among the famous individuals represented and discussed in the program were Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, President Barack, and First Lady Michelle Obama, Malcolm X, Oprah Winfrey, Ruby Bridges, and NASA legends Katherine Johnson and Mae Jemison.
"I was extremely proud of all the students who shared so much knowledge and information," said third-grade teacher Natalie Lewis.
"For many, this was the very first time they had given a presentation which made their effort even more impressive!"
Third-grader Derris Miles promoted the theme of the program in reciting the famous quote of Malcolm X, "Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today!"
The teachers and members of the Wilson School staff were most impressed by the commitment and deportment of the students who participated in the program.
"The students truly embodied the role of the African-American person they chose to research," said second-grade teacher Lamese Grunstad.
"Each of them was very well informed, and some even transformed themselves to look the part!"
"The children enjoyed taking part in honoring Black History Month and worked exceptionally hard in preparing for their presentations," added third-grade teacher Kristi Jones.
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of blacks in U.S. history. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating black history.