District 88 celebrates Black History Month
Each February, District 88 hosts events/activities to recognize and honor Black History Month, and the district offered many opportunities again this year from Feb. 18 to 21.
This year’s theme, “BLACK FIRSTS,” celebrated the groundbreaking achievements of Black individuals. Highlights included:
- A spirit week (see the image above for details)
- A Student African American Conference (SAACon) on Feb. 21 – more than 70 students attended (See a photo gallery above. To view more photos from the event, go to https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/15ketN_PMh95DxdTAccCNaLWWPYySUdCX?usp=sharing.)
- The event began with a “Family Feud”-style game to teach students about Black history.
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- The keynote speaker for the event was former professional basketball player and coach Bill Cartwright. Students had an exclusive meet and greet with Cartwright to celebrate the launch of his biography, “Living Life at The Center.” According to https://bill-cartwright.com, the book offers “profound insights into leadership, teamwork and personal growth … (and) Cartwright offers a rare glimpse into the experiences that have defined his path.” The book is published by Sophisticated Press (sophisticatedpress.com/#). Cartwright discussed his NBA and coaching career and encouraged students to take a limitless approach to their success. He told students they “deserve more” and can achieve anything they believe is possible. Addison Trail junior Otis Powell moderated a question-and-answer session with Cartwright, which included questions from the audience. To watch a brief video clip from the event, click on the video above.
- The event also featured a financial literacy workshop led by Junior Achievement, where students participated in an interactive activity. They were given a hypothetical budget and went to multiple booths to learn about the importance and various aspects of being fiscally responsible and stable.
- The keynote speaker for the event was former professional basketball player and coach Bill Cartwright. Students had an exclusive meet and greet with Cartwright to celebrate the launch of his biography, “Living Life at The Center.” According to https://bill-cartwright.com, the book offers “profound insights into leadership, teamwork and personal growth … (and) Cartwright offers a rare glimpse into the experiences that have defined his path.” The book is published by Sophisticated Press (sophisticatedpress.com/#). Cartwright discussed his NBA and coaching career and encouraged students to take a limitless approach to their success. He told students they “deserve more” and can achieve anything they believe is possible. Addison Trail junior Otis Powell moderated a question-and-answer session with Cartwright, which included questions from the audience. To watch a brief video clip from the event, click on the video above.
The Black History Month activities were sponsored by the BEYOND BOSS Clubs from Addison Trail and Willowbrook, and the adviser for those groups is Dr. VaLarie Humphrey.
More information about Black History Month can be found at https://blackhistorymonth.gov.