District 88 celebrates African-American History Month

Throughout the month of February, Addison Trail and Willowbrook students and staff participated in events to celebrate African-American History Month.

Addison Trail

  • Students created a display case (pictured above) that combined historical information with current social media trends. Biographical information was provided about important black figures such as Muhammad Ali (boxer, philanthropist and activist), Misty Copeland (first black female principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre), Coretta Scott King (civil rights leader, activist and author) and Jean Baptiste Point du Sable (founder of Chicago). The display included Twitter hashtags that featured some of their more poignant quotes.
  • Students also created a PowerPoint presentation that was featured in the school’s Commons area. Highlighted historical figures included Bessie Coleman (first black woman to hold a pilot license), Maggie Lena Walker (first American female bank president to charter a bank in the U.S.) and Shirley Chisholm (first black woman elected to the U.S. Congress).
  • The school played African-American-inspired music and speech excerpts from the Smithsonian during passing periods. The selections ranged from some of the earliest recorded spirituals and show tunes to Motown melodies and contemporary classics.

  • The Library Media Center featured a display of books authored by key black figures such as former U.S. President Barack Obama and Maya Angelou (pictured above). The display also included quotes from iconic figures such as Oprah Winfrey, Langston Hughes and Rosa Parks.

Willowbrook

  • A spirit day took place on Feb. 22 to celebrate African-American History Month, which included staff and students wearing T-shirts that promoted the month.
  • Students in the Black Organization for Student Success (BOSS) shared information about the history, accomplishments and contributions of African-Americans through announcements every Tuesday and Thursday during February.
  • Students in the Black Organization for Student Success (BOSS) created a display case of significant historical figures and events to honor African-American History Month.

  • The Library Media Center featured a display of books to honor the month (pictured above).

Black History Month Summit

Top left: State Senator and Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (4th District) speaks with District 88 students during a Black History Month Summit hosted by the district on Feb. 26. Top middle and right: District 88 students participate in an activity during the event. Bottom: (From left) Dr. LaTonya Wilks, District 88 Director of Student Services, Dr. LeVar Ammons, Willowbrook Guidance Counselor, and Akari Muhisani, Account Executive at Dell Technologies, serve on a panel during the summit to discuss Black History Month with students and answer their questions.

On Feb. 26, more than 30 students from Addison Trail and Willowbrook participated in a Black History Month Summit at the District 88 Office. During that event, State Senator and Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (4th District) served as the keynote speaker. Lightford shared her journey to success and offered students advice on how to accomplish their goals and encouraged them to stay positive and focus on the legacy they want to create. The participants then heard from a panel consisting of Dr. LaTonya Wilks, District 88 Director of Student Services, Dr. LeVar Ammons, Willowbrook Guidance Counselor, and Akari Muhisani, Account Executive at Dell Technologies. The summit also included roundtable discussions and a cultural awareness activity. District 88 Superintendent Dr. Scott Helton closed the event by sharing with students the work the district has done, and continues to do, with regard to diversity and cultural competency.