Students participated in a variety of activities for Black History Month in February. Grade 5 completed a research project on an important figure in black history for English/Language Arts (ELA).
K1 students illustrated Celia Cruz in her colorful dresses after learning about "La Reina de Salsa" (queen of salsa) in Spanish class. She pursued her dream and was no stranger to adversity. She experienced racial discrimination in both her birthplace, Cuba, and the US. As an immigrant and refugee she had to begin her life again in the US, learning English but preserving her Spanish through song.
In music this February, students learned the stories of some of the incredible Black artists that have shaped the American music landscape. Our studies featured artists who are considered American music royalty, including pianist and celebrated composer Scott Joplin and the Queen of Soul herself, Aretha Franklin. Elementary students engaged in a discussion of examples of R-E-S-P-E-C-T and its role in SOAR. They also practiced a rhythm stick routine to Aretha's timeless song, choreographed by F. Willis Music.
Middle school students studied the role of protest music in the Civil Rights Movement and heard firsthand accounts of how powerful raising your voice can be, whether on your own or joined by a chorus of thousands.
They also drew connections between the messages of American protest songs and "Baraye," the recipient of the inaugural Special Merit Award for Best Song For Social Change at the 2023 GRAMMYs. The award was presented by First Lady Jill Biden, who noted that although its Iranian singer/songwriter Shervin Hajipour was arrested for speaking out, "this song continues to resonate around the world for its powerful theme: women, life, freedom."
