Steward Celebrates Black History Month

The Steward School celebrated Black History Month with lessons and events for students in all divisions. Black History Month, held nationally every February,  honors the contributions of Black people from all periods of U.S. history. Throughout Black History Month, Steward’s core values of academic achievement, care & respect, civil discourse, individuality, innovation, and inspiration informed discussions and projects for Spartans of all ages. Below is a sampling of some of the activities that took place at Steward. 

Junior kindergarteners taught by Amy Harris, Robbin Hataway, and Grace Macleay spent Black History Month learning about key African Americans such as Rosa Parks, Ruby Bridges, Garrett Morgan, and Amanda Gorman through books and art projects. JKers also reenacted Rosa Parks’ role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

“Putting yourself in others’ shoes helps create empathy,” noted Ms. Hataway. “Through this fun and engaging way, students were able to further understand that the ‘rules’ back then were unfair and how important it was to get them changed.”

JKers also learned about Former President Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, and tennis greats Serena Williams, Venus Williams, and Arthur Ashe. Ms. Harris noted, “It is exciting when a child says that they visited the Arthur Ashe or Maggie Walker statue here in Richmond!”

Do you know who invented the biscuit cutter? Our kindergarteners do! They learned that Alexander P. Ashbourne was a Black innovator who invented the spring-loaded biscuit cutter in 1875. To round out their lesson on Mr. Ashbourne, students baked up their very own buttery biscuits. 

Led by Technology Facilitator Kathy McElfresh, first graders embarked on a multi-faceted study of track-and-field superstar Wilma Rudolph, who medaled in the 1956 and 1960 Olympic Games.

“This was a great way to explore both Black History Month and the Olympics,” noted Ms. McElfresh. “We read ‘When Wilma Rudolph Played Basketball’ and watched a short video highlighting her life. Then, the children wrote about what they learned and drew pictures portraying themselves as Olympians.”

Students in First Grade Teacher Sabra Willhite’s class listened to “Through the Telescope: Mae Jemison Dreams of Space,” the story of the inspiration behind former astronaut Mae Jemison’s journey to becoming the first Black woman to travel into space. 

“We also read lots of books featuring important people in Black history,” said Ms. Willhite. “Students loved learning about Kobe Bryant, Louis Armstrong, and Ruby Bridges.”

Using Nat Geo Kids, an online magazine, second-grade teachers used their morning meetings to inspire discussions and reflections centered on Black History Month. 

Third graders were assigned to research a history-making Black person. Then they created infographics and wrote biographies to celebrate the individual. 

Fourth graders taught by Sade Silver have been reading poems by Black poets this semester, including Amanda Gorman’s “Change Sings” and Langston Hughes’ “April Rain Song.” 

“I’m using these poems as mentor texts to help inspire sensory detail, influence style, spark creativity, and expose students to different voices and techniques as they craft their own poems,” said Ms. Silver. “It’s a meaningful way to support both their writing skills and their appreciation for diverse perspectives.”

Students in fifth grade spent the month focusing on Black individuals and Black military units over the course of United States military history (including the Tuskegee Airmen). Working in teams, students researched and wrote biographies of the figures they studied. 

Throughout Black History Month, Lower School Librarian Carlee Smith curated a collection of books for young readers that highlighted Black history makers. From picture books to biographies, there was something for every Lower Schooler! Some examples from the many books to choose from: “Go Forth and Tell,” “Harlem’s Little Blackbird,” “The ABCs of Black History,” and “Jerry Changed the Game.” 

In their advisory circles, Middle Schoolers discussed inspirational Black figures, while Visual Arts Teacher Abby Klein’s students replicated the designs and styles of well-known Black artists. 

English Teacher Alyssa Hulshoff’s students recently read “Look Both Ways” by Jason Reynolds, a book of intertwined stories with plots that blend humor, love, and friendship. Students taught by Middle School Choral Teacher Heidi Taylor learned songs that feature Black culture and traditions, and Social Studies Teacher Danny Spiziri’s class read “March: Book 2” by John Lewis, which takes a deep dive into the Civil Rights movement. 

Hamilton Glass, whose public art and murals can be seen throughout Richmond and whose work is commemorated in the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, spent time on campus with Upper Schoolers on February 9. Mr. Glass, who strives to use his art as a healing tool in the community, spoke to students at an Upper School assembly. Greenlee Murray ’26, a member of Steward’s Black Student Alliance (BSA), introduced Mr. Glass at the assembly, and Caleb Morrison ’26, also a BSA member, asked Mr. Glass for suggestions for students who are searching to define their interests. 

“Our conversation took shape through the lens of this year’s Black History Month theme, ‘A Century of Black History Commemorations,’” explained Alejandro Prince, coordinator of community and belonging in the Center for Engagement. “It’s been 100 years since the first weeklong celebration began in 1926.”  

Mr. Glass discussed his journey into art, his approaches to being a community builder, and the massive increase in local murals due to his and other muralists’ influence in Richmond. In classroom presentations, he expanded on many of his personal projects and partnerships with nonprofits and businesses. He also discussed the project he is most well-known for, “Mending Walls,” an assembly of diverse artists who create public artwork as a tool to promote empathy. He offered advice to students who are exploring their own artistic endeavors and shared his hopes for the long-term effect that he hopes his art will have in Richmond and beyond. 

Mr. Prince added, “As Steward celebrated the amazing resilience, triumphs, and creations of Black/African Americans throughout history, it was a real privilege to learn from someone such as Hamilton Glass, as he is making history right now.”