Last month, GCPS schools celebrated Black History Month and the many contributions of African Americans to our great nation. Students studied all aspects of Black history across subject areas and took part in a variety of activities that explored and acknowledged the work of African Americans throughout history. Students immersed themselves in the rich history and culture of African Americans… learning about distinguished authors, performing plays and music, researching and sharing their findings on historical figures, reading poetry, and learning about Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Across the district, our schools found special ways to learn and celebrate as a community. Here are just a few highlights:
In honor of Baldwin ES’ namesake—Beauty Baldwin, the first African American female superintendent in the state of Georgia—the school offered a program featuring “The First” Black inspirational leaders living and working in the school’s backyard, including education leaders and elected officials.
Lawrenceville ES 4th and 5th graders learned about Black musicians, songwriters, poets, scientists, artists, and athletes, then shared what they learned with the school community in 1st annual Historical Expo.
Moore MS Choral Director Michelle Patricia Spencer, a classically trained soprano, held a recital at the School of the Arts at Central Gwinnett HS, featuring music by African American classical composers.
Richards MS held a Poetry Slam featuring “Little Known Facts in Black History.”
Berkmar HS students created their own African mask painting using canvas and oil pastels, inspired by the works of artist Lois Mailou Jones.
Students interviewed South Gwinnett HS Principal Dorothy Jarrett about her cousin Emmett Till and the impact of his death on her family and the community.
In this photo gallery, find just a few of the many ways GCPS students celebrated Black History Month 2022. The gallery includes photos from Alford ES, Ferguson ES, Fort Daniel ES, Gwinnett Online Campus, Jackson ES, Minor ES, Simpson ES, Snellville MS, and Sugar Hill ES.