Students Gain New Perspective on Black History Month

February 12, 2018

February is Black History Month and the Upper School Social Studies Department is exploring this important topic in different ways. Our passionate teachers are delving into various aspects of black history, including the history of oppression, activism, and inequality.

In concurrence with the "We the Future" exhibition, currently on view in the 19th Floor Morris Gallery, that explores the US constitution, Middle School social studies classes have been working on posters to represent the 13th, 14th, 15th, and 19th constitutional amendments, which are related to racial and gender equality. These posters display what the amendment means and its importance. This project underscores the importance of our goal as a school to support dialogue around the importance of equality and advocacy. In addition to displaying their understanding of the amendment in art form students wrote a one-page artist statement.

Our 10th Grade students are talking about the Age of Exploration through the lens of discovery and oppression. Discussions and lessons have focused on the American slave trade and the Middle Passage in relation to modern day issues and the need to have these difficult conversations.

11th Grade IB History students are currently participating in a Civil Rights and Social Movements unit, which coincides with both Black History Month and Women's History Month, coming up in March. This IB History topic examines the origins, nature, challenges, and achievements of civil rights and social movements after 1945, including the Civil Rights movement and the legal challenges to segregation in education, the role of Dr. Martin Luther King, the Black Panthers, and Malcolm X. The unit will continue in coloration with Women's History Month to explore the significance of the Feminist Movement, as well as the Hispanic American movement, and youth culture and protests of the 1960's and 1970's.