Lawrence Road Middle School marked the 100th anniversary of “Negro History Week” with a school wide assembly honoring the celebration first launched in 1926 by historian Carter G. Woodson, widely known as the “father of Black history” and among the first scholars to study the African American Diaspora.
Originally observed during the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Frederick Douglass on Feb. 14 and Abraham Lincoln on Feb. 12, the observance later expanded into what is now recognized as Black History Month. In the 1970s, advocacy by Black college students and the broader civil rights movement helped push the celebration into a full month.
“While African American History Month is traditionally celebrated in February,” said Lawrence Road Middle School Dean of Academic Services Adeola Tella-Williams, “the school emphasized that learning about Black history continues throughout the year.”
The program, themed “Legacy Through Our Stories: Celebrating Past, Present and Future,” was led by teachers Juan Carlos Tavarez, Dawnielle Gibson, Veronica Argueta, Steevenson Mondelus and Iris Elezi. The event featured student performances and presentations highlighting African American history and culture.
“The program showcased a wide range of student talents through music, dance, poetry and spoken word,” Tella-Williams said.
Juliette Monuma performed an original poem and a dance interpretation of the song “Glory.” The school’s orchestra and concert band also performed, and a choral presentation inspired by the story “No Mirrors in My Nana’s House” included a reading by math teacher Cassandra Goosby.
Students also presented segments titled “Five Fabulous Ladies” and “Five Young Kings,” honoring figures such as Maggie L. Walker, Elizabeth Jennings Graham, Alice Ball, Gladys West and Kizzmekia Corbett, as well as African leaders including Mansa Musa and Shaka Zulu.
The assembly concluded with students and staff joining together in a dance to the song “Jerusalema,” celebrating unity and heritage.
“As the music filled the auditorium and the audience joined in the final dance, the assembly became more than a program,” Tella-Williams said. “It was a reminder that while we honor the stories of those who came before us, each of us is part of a larger story.
Helping to write the next chapter of that legacy through our voices, actions and leadership,” she said.
