Dalton News

First Program Celebrates Black History Month Focusing on Notable African Americans

The brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson, Black History Month is a time when the contributions and achievements of African Americans are highlighted and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history.
Here are some highlights from the first grade:

House 34 discussed the significance of Black History Month and why it is so important to honor the legacy and contributions of Black Americans. The students studied Ruby Bridges, Rosa Parks, and Harriet Tubman in reading groups. They plan to segue from Black History Month to Women’s History Month through a study of artist and activist, Faith Ringgold. As someone who was “fascinated with the ability of art to document the time, place, and cultural identity of the artist,” her work provides a lens through which to explore the civil rights movement, in addition to furthering our understanding of the Underground Railroad.

House 35 introduced Black History Month and talked about what it is and why it’s important. During the month, they highlighted different important historical figures including Ruby Bridges, Barack Obama, Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Amanda Gorman, Jacob Lawrence, Misty Copeland, and Michael Jordan. In addition, they used reading group time to zoom in on slavery and the Underground Railroad.

House 36 began with an introduction of Black History Month with a story and extensive discussion about Ruby Bridges and how she impacted education for children in the 60’s. Through literature, we discussed various different aspects of the significance of knowing and understanding Black History through reading groups as well as a parent guest, who read Rocket Says Look Up by Nathan Bryon to the class! 

House 41 focused on the life of Kehinde Wiley, the portrait painter, with an emphasis on the history of portraiture. Wiley stated, "painting is about the world that we live in. Black men live in the world. My choice is to include them." Wiley is reimagining who is seen in portraits by painting people of color. Most historically, painting President Obama's official portrait. The students will have the chance to view some of his portraits on view during a virtual field trip to the Brooklyn Museum. 

Discussions in House 46 were sparked by a tee-shirt worn by a student with the names: “Malcolm, Harriet, Langston, Maya, & Frederick” printed on it! Students studied two poems by Langston Hughes, providing students with a deeper understanding about the life of this poet. Notable black Americans were discussed including Carter G Woodson, Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, Malcolm X, Amanda Gorman, Ida B. Wells, Misty Copeland, Kehinde Wiley, Jacob Lawrence, Dr. Charles R. Drew, Jesse Owens, Satchel Paige, Wilma Rudolph, and Maritz Correia McClendon.
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