We are proud to join our community and our country in celebrating Black History Month!
 
The theme of this year’s observance is African-Americans and labor. The Association for the Study of African American Life and History notes that this year’s theme “intends to encourage broad reflections on intersections between Black people’s work and their workplaces in all their iterations and key moments, themes and events in Black history and culture across time and space.”
 
“Like religion, social justice movements and education, studying African-Americans’ labor and labor struggles are important organizing foci for new interpretations and reinterpretations of the Black past, present and future.”
 
You can visit the association’s website to learn more about this year’s theme.

While learning about the triumphs and understanding the tragedies of African-Americans past and present is intentionally woven into the fabric of our school community year-round, this month-long observance provides an opportunity to more deeply explore this vibrant and complex history. 
 
Throughout February, in addition to learning about the contributions of African-American labor leaders such as A. Philip Randolph, Isaac Myers, Dorothy Lee Bolden and Maida Springer Kemp, our schools will discuss the countless achievements of African-American scientists, educators, lawyers, doctors, authors, government leaders and more, as well as the history and legacy of slavery.
 
Black history is American history. We are proud to spotlight that rich cultural heritage, and the opportunities and challenges that remain throughout our society.