Celebrating Black History Month

Beyond integrating activities and studies in the classroom, Riley Mills ’25 helped organize various ways for students to learn from one another, as well as assisted with the coordination of a special all-community "Black Her-Story” assembly.

 

The assembly concluded the month-long Black History celebrations, welcoming special guests joining the Saint Joseph Academy Community. Mrs. Gwen Howard, Saint Martin DePorres African American History Teacher/Social Worker, shared the history of how we came to celebrate Black History in the month of February in addition to her experiences growing up black and the importance of loving thy neighbor.

 

We were also blessed to have 2019 Saint Joseph Academy "25 Under 35" honoree and Emmy Award-winning Anchor/Reporter at Fox 8 News Jazmin Bailey ’07 speak at the assembly. Jazmin shared her experience as a young black woman both as a student at the Academy and throughout her college and professional career.

 

She left the students with this quote “Show up for yourself, your dreams and your life. And in the spirit of Sursum Corda, declare your destiny with your own words. Each day, wake up with the intention that amazing things happen for you and opportunities of a lifetime come your way, even when you don’t know how. Speak what you see in your heart until it becomes your reality. Put your faith in action. Challenge yourself to leave here empowered with the knowledge to succeed in this diverse, ever-changing world. Equip yourself with the understanding of the cultures and people around you. Become a better person than when you first arrived. I did. And now it is your turn.”

 

The Academy Center was also enlivened by the beautiful voices of the Saint Martin DePorres Choir, led by Vickey McBride, their CORE Minister and Choir Director. The choir passionately performed “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” “Stand up” and “Melodies from Heaven.” The assembly concluded with the Academy’s own Franceta Dweh ’24 singing a heartfelt rendition of “Rise Up”.

 

Watch Jazmin’s Fox 8 News segment here.