Basswood Elementary School hosts Black History Month celebration

On the last day of February, students in all grades at Basswood Elementary School gathered to celebrate Black History Month. The celebration, the first time that Basswood has hosted this type of event, was a huge hit amongst students and staff. Leading up to the event, students have been learning about race, culture and identity on Basswood TV. 

Third grade students, led by music teachers Rebecca Ricker and Cynthia Stearns, sang a number of songs, often joined by students in the audience. The students sang songs including “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” “Watoto Wa Dunia,” “This Train is Bound for Glory,” “Sing About Martin” and “R*E*S*P*E*C*T.”

The Black Joy leadership group, made up of fourth and fifth grade students who meet up to share stories, celebrate and embrace who they are, helped to organize the event, in partnership with the music teachers and other building staff. 

Third grade students, staff members and students in Black Joy also spoke about a number of Black figures, both historical and current, including Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglas, Ruby Bridges, Oprah Winfrey, Ray Charles, Jackie Robinson, Serena Williams and Barack Obama.