Celebrating Black History

February is Black History Month, a time to remember, celebrate and pay tribute to the generations of African Americans who have made significant contributions to the history of the United States. 

Our Fairfield Elementary site had the 4th & 5th grade members take on the role of teachers this year. The kids did their own research, prepare their lessons, and then taught the K–3rd grade classes about the significant contributions African Americans have made throughout our history.

Aryanna, did her research and taught her lessons to the younger grades. Through this process, she not only helped teach others but she herself gained a greater understanding and appreciation of the historical figures she researched. Here is what Aryanna learned and taught to her under classmates.

From black history I learned about Doris Miller. Doris had good sportsmanship and his name was actually Byname Dorrie. He was a cook and sailor and is now 24 years old. He was born in Waco TX. Born 1919 and died 1943 November 24. He had two siblings Selvia Miller and Arthur Miller. His body sank with the torpedo and the ship, and his body was never recovered. I also learned that he shot down one plane with 4-6 shots. 

I learned about Langston Hughes. He wrote a lot of poems like Harlem, Let America be America but my all-time favorite is Mother to Son. I can remember this part: “Well son, I’ll tell you, life for me ain’t been no crystal stair, it’s had tacks in it and splinters and boards torn up and places with no carpets on the floor. BARE but all this time I’ve been climbing on and reaching landings and turning corners and sometimes going in the dark where there ain’t been no light before! So boy, don’t turn back now, don’t sit on the stairs cause you find it kind of hard. Don’t you fall now for I’m still going honey, I’m climbing and life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.” His full name is James Mercer Langston Hughes. 

I also learned about the Jazz age. A lot of people played in it like Louis Armstrong, Josephine Baker, Benny Goodman and Eddie Lang. Louis Armstrong was an African American trumpeter. His full name is Louis Daniel Armstrong. His nick-name(s) were Pops Satch and Satchmo.

— Aryanna, 10, Fairfield Elementary

History is a valuable component to the education of our children as we appreciate all those who have paved the way for us.