In February 2020, student leaders and faculty advisors at Bethlehem Central High School re-envisioned the annual month-long history lesson by bringing Black History to life with lessons that students and staff could see, hear, taste and feel. Part reflection, part celebration, the school-wide effort that was designed to spur year-round classroom conversations regarding race, equity and inclusion. It was successful in its debut year.
This year, against the backdrop of the pandemic, the efforts of the Black History Month Leadership Committee at BCHS have been put to the test. So the committee just re-envisioned the celebration that begins on Monday, Feb. 1 all over again by bringing many events online to make them accessible to students no matter where learning takes place.
The centerpiece of this year’s Black History Month at BC is a website designed and curated by BCHS school counselor Tyler Anderson. The Google site is a multi-media exploration of Black History in the United States. The site’s inviting design features work of the school’s Guerilla Art Club, reflections on race from students and staff, music, a reading list, biographies and much more. It is not to be missed.
There will be several kick-off events the week of Feb. 1, both in-person and virtual. Throughout the month, guest speaker Dr. Patrick Jean-Pierre will lead interactive sessions for staff and students on implicit bias and will introduce staff to the 21-Day Challenge for Racial Equity. Dr. Jean-Pierre, a resident of the BCSD community, is a diversity and inclusion leader with experience at the university and K-12 levels.
High school students will be guest readers, visiting elementary school classrooms virtually to share their favorite books with younger students. Chef Kizzy Williams of Allie B’s Cozy Kitchen will visit the high school’s culinary class to demonstrate her techniques in making soul food specialties.
On Feb. 26, the high school will host a districtwide Unity Day where all members of the BC community will be asked to wear orange in support of respect, kindness and inclusion. Current students, alumni, parents and community members will be asked to join Unity Day in support of Black History Month at BC. Throughout the month, students and staff will be wearing the 2021 Black History Month t-shirt designed by BCMS student Isabella Sindon.
Throughout February, students are encouraged to submit their own photos of activities they are taking part in to celebrate Black History Month by emailing them to bethlehembhm2021@gmail.com Photos will be shared by the BHM Committee on their Instagram account @bethlehembhm.
On Monday morning Feb. 1, students at the high school will kick off Black History Month as they are treated to a poem recited by one of the school’s Poetry Out Loud top finishers. The poem is BLK History Month by Nikki Giovanni. It will be read by senior Nya Santeliz.
You can listen here:
BLK History Month by Nikki Giovanni
If Black History Month is not
viable then wind does not
carry the seeds and drop them
on fertile ground
rain does not
dampen the land
and encourage the seeds
to root
sun does not
warm the earth
and kiss the seedlings
and tell them plain:
You’re As Good As Anybody Else
You’ve Got A Place Here, Too
Kick-off Events – Feb. 1 through Feb. 5
Monday, Feb. 1
- Student Intro on the Morning Announcements
- Music in the Central Foyer
- Faculty Meeting: Guest Speaker Dr. Patrick Jean-Pierre
Tuesday, Feb. 2
- Southern Cuisine Day
- Southern Style Food in the Cafeteria
- Music Throughout the School
Wednesday, Feb. 3
- Lunch and Learn Movies in the Cafeteria and Gym A
Thursday, Feb. 4
- Virtual Storytelling at the Elementary Schools
Friday, Feb. 5
- Virtual Storytelling at the Elementary Schools
- Music in the Central Foyer
- Videos, Slides, and Artwork Throughout the Hallways
BHM 2021 Leadership Team/Committee
- Nick Ferguson
- Nick Petraccione
- Preya Krishna-Kennedy
- Michele Atallah
- Lisa Carr
(ALANA ) African, Latinx, Asian, Native American & Allies E-Board:
- Nya Santeliz
- Celiann Soto
- Nia Hughes
- Marlisse Edwards
- Caldonia Knox
- Guerilla Art Club
- Rachael Close, Student logistics assistant
- Dave Doemel
- Nicole Conway
- Heather Culnan
- Jim Smith
- Tyler Anderson, Creator and coordinator of the BHM Google Site
- Preya Krishna-Kennedy
- Eileen Turo
- Steve Guilfoyle
- Michele Atallah
- Nick Ferguson
- Kristy Eldeen
- Anthony Wilson
- Darnell Douglas
- Jessica Westervelt
- Nick Petraccione
- Lisa Carr
- Allisa Eiser
- Maria Hayes
- Melanie Painter
- Kaaren Caron
- Evelyn Ledezma