Celebrating Black History at The Collegiate School of Memphis
As Collegiate honors Black History Month this year, our faculty, staff, and students are showcasing the significant contributions and achievements of African Americans and honoring Black culture throughout history. Here are a few ways Collegiate is celebrating Black History Month.
Living Wax Museum
In Ms. Benson’s 8th-grade English class, scholars were tasked with researching African-Americans who have impacted the world. Each student created a biographical presentation and presented as if they were the person they researched. This project, named the Living Wax Museum, not only gave scholars the opportunity to showcase leaders in Black history but also helped students enhance their public speaking skills.
Middle School Wellness Podcast
In Coach Moore’s Health and Wellness class middle school scholars are learning how to create a podcast, host an interview, and facilitate dialogue. This month they are producing a podcast episode featuring interviews with CSM high school students, who will answer the question, "Why is Black History Month important to you?"
SoulFest
Collegiate hosted its second annual student-led event highlighting Black culture and celebrating Black History Month. “SoulFest” included 8th-grade presentations about African-Americans who have made an impact in society, high school student Soap Box Speeches about social justice, work from local artists (@ambrowskii, @toonky_berry, and @derek_patt937), and home-cooked dishes provided by CSM parents. Thanks so much to SGA members, Collegiate parents, and everyone in attendance who contributed to making this event a success!
Writing Letters to Memphis City Council
Earlier this month Ms. Barrett, CSM’s sixth-grade English teacher, gave all CSM scholars the opportunity after school to write letters to the Memphis City Council and share their hearts about injustice in our city. One scholar’s letter was even read at a Memphis City Council Meeting in early February. You can view it here at time stamp 1:18:45.
Visiting the National Civil Rights Museum
Collegiate’s 10th-grade scholars and 6th-grade scholars visited the National Civil Rights Museum. Ms. Taylor’s 10th-grade history class visited in conjunction with their exploration of major events, terms, and people associated with the Black Civil Rights Movement, including Brown v. Board of Education, SNCC, the March on Washington, the Black Power Movement, Black Nationalism, affirmative action, and much more. Ms. Hayes’s 6th grade history class spent the month learning about slavery in America and the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., within the Black Civil Rights Movement.
As we strive to build a community of faith and excellence for God’s glory, we encourage the entire CSM community to strengthen our unity by celebrating the diversity and experiences of our students, families, faculty, and staff. We are committed to growing, learning, and listening to one another to provide an environment that is enriching to the mind, body, and soul.