The student government is partnering with Ms. O’Dell’s African-American studies class to celebrate unity and excellence through a Black History of Excellence Spirit Week February 22nd through February 25th. As we close out February 2022, please join us and encourage your students to join us in celebrating Black History in the ways listed below. As always, these initiatives are student-driven. Please support these students as they learn to be leaders in their community!
Tuesday, February 22: Black Out Tuesday
Wear all black or show your fandom feelings for the movie Black Panther.
Wednesday, February 23: Professional Dress and Wellness-Up Wednesday
Represent your dream profession with its business attire or highlight a career from mental/emotional/physical health and wellness areas. This year’s national theme is Black Health and Wellness. Read more here: https://asalh.org/black-history-themes/.
Thursday, February 24: History’s Mysteries and Inspiring Innovators
Represent little known or legendary leaders! Dress as that person from history or headlines that most inspire or intrigue you. This day is a great segue into an educational conversation about the painful roots of blackface – students need to understand that you can dress up as someone without painting your skin. You can share this website with your students: https://www.history.com/news/blackface-history-racism-origins.
Friday, February 25: Unity Day and HBCU Friday
Come in red, black, or green to show unity or wear the colors of a famous HBCU. The Pan-African flag’s colors each had a symbolic meaning. Red stood for blood – both the blood shed by Africans who died in their fight for liberation, and the shared blood of the African people. Black represented the people. Green was a symbol of growth and the natural fertility of Africa.