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McDonogh Celebrates Black History Month

Black History Month 2024 focused on African Americans and the Arts, a theme chosen by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. All divisions incorporated art elements into their lessons and assemblies to honor this theme. In the Upper and Lower Schools, students had the privilege of learning about the Black National Anthem, "Lift Every Voice and Sing," performed by the Upper School gospel choir. In Middle School, the jazz quartet played a rendition of the song, and the seventh and eighth grade dance classes performed artistic pieces to a variety of songs by notable Black musicians.

In keeping with the ongoing celebration of our community, the Upper School Student Diversity Leadership Council facilitated a wonderful discussion with faculty members as part of their "Finding Our Roots" series. In the Middle School, there was a month-long student-directed trivia series that served to broaden student and faculty knowledge about influential Black Americans. 

The Lower School participated in Blacktastic, a Children's Festival of Maryland and DC Black History and Culture. This year's theme was a journey through time and into the extraordinary lives of Thurgood Marshall, Senator Verda Freeman Welcome, Drs. Elmer and Joanne Martin (founders of The National Great Blacks in Wax Museum), and 2024 Blacktastic Living Legend Honoree Mezzo-Soprano Opera Singer Denyce Graves. Between each performance and workshop, students participated in trivia games that tested young learners' knowledge of some of our state's famous historical Black figures! Afterward, lower schoolers held an assembly to celebrate the changemakers that they learned about in class.