If you have not gotten a chance to read my blog about my #oneword for 2016, check out Enjoy the Moment.
As I mentioned in my blog, my #oneword is a call to action for me to be mindful of the moments that make up my day. The moments at home, the moments at work and the moments that happen in between.
As you know, the month of February is recognized as Black History Month. Each year, we, as a collective staff at Sigler Elementary feel it is important to recognize and celebrate Black History Month. This year we took a different approach in celebrating Black History Month. Yes, we posted student made posters in the halls, recognizing historical figures students had researched, each year keeping posters students submitted to be shared the following year along with successful figures students can identify with. I enjoy walking the halls and seeing the students' work on the walls, but...it was not enough. This year we extended invitations to our staff, parents and community members to submit a video response or participate on morning announcements, answering the question, "Why is Black History Month Important to You?". We attracted responses from teachers, community members, relatives, parents and yes...even students.
Last week, the President of Paul Quinn College in Dallas, President Michael J. Sorrell came and spoke with the boys in our 3rd-5th grades. The last question we asked President Sorrell...you got it, "Why is Black History Month Important to You?" His answer was one I had heard before, however it really got me thinking. It resonated with me. Clearly, I do not have the perspective President Sorrell has, being I am a white male, but as the principal of a diverse Title I campus, I appreciated his response. He answered, "I do not celebrate Black History Month. I celebrate history and I celebrate all history, regardless of race and ethnic background all year long." What an awesome answer. Just the type of answer a room full of diverse male students needed to hear.
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Mrs. Cherise Jones, back on campus sharing about
Black History Month |
Today we had another guest speaker, live on our morning announcements, sharing her answer to "Why is Black History Month Important to You." Today's guest was special because she was a former staff member who applied for and received a promotion at the end of last school year who came back to her former campus to share her answer. We miss the heck out of her, and it was so great to have her back on campus, sharing her experiences with our students and teachers. As she shared her response, she posed a challenge to ALL students. What difference can you make? What difference can you make, starting today? So powerful!
While Black History Month comes to a close over the final days of February, I am reminded of the reflective and humbling words that have been shared by so many parents, teachers community members and students over the last four weeks. I am excited by the participation we had and by the pride shown by so many, when speaking of their heritage and the powerful message our students heard over and over.
It is not about celebrating the heritage of any one race over a month. It is about celebrating all history, regardless of race, all year long and being brave enough, as brave or braver than our ancestors to begin making a difference...today.
What was your moment today?
Labels: #oneword, Black History Month, leadership, Moment, parents, respect
