Poly Celebrates Black History Month

Poly is proud to acknowledge and celebrate Black History Month! In 1926, Dr. Carter G. Woodson created a week-long recognition in February to showcase how Black History is a central part of American history. The success of this work in subsequent years led to the establishment by the federal government of Black History Month in 1976. We know that we should not limit this education and celebration at Poly to one month alone. Instead, we seize this opportunity to engage with the rich resources that are spotlighted in February as momentum to deepen our understanding of Black history, struggle, brilliance, and joy as inextricable from our own.

Throughout this month-long recognition, our Lower, Middle, and Upper School students will be engaged in a variety of curricular and co-curricular activities that acknowledge, bring into sharper focus, and uplift the history, experiences, and contributions of Black/African American people to our country, state, and school. These include assemblies in each division; lessons and activities during Community Meeting and Panther Pod times; displays in each of our libraries; community engagement opportunities; and various classroom units. 

Read on to learn more about each division’s celebrations!

Lower School: The Lower School will host educator and speaker Courtney Linsey on February 27. In this assembly, Courtney will present about the influences of Black culture on music and dance. 

Middle School: The Middle School will host an event on February 6 in Founders where members of the Black Student Affinity Group will interview Black faculty and staff members, asking about their educational experiences, professional goals, and more.

Upper School: On February 28, the Upper School Black Student Union (BSU) will be hosting an assembly titled "Black Excellence: The Celebration of Black Culture." During the first part of the assembly, the Upper School will be in Garland, where students and faculty/staff from the BSU will be sharing visual and written artwork that highlights their pursuit of excellence and their culture. They will also share a video featuring BSU students and faculty/staff, showcasing their experiences as a part of black culture and their thoughts on Black Excellence. After the time in Garland, BSU students will also host various interactive experiences around the Upper School campus, highlighting dance, music, food, and games from Black culture.