Diggs-Latham Elementary Visual & Performing Arts A+ Magnet School annually celebrates Black History Month with 28 days of integrated learning and activities. Playing music during arrival and dismissal and including daily announcements of quotes and history sets the stage for celebrating the contributions that African Americans have on our society, and since we are a Visual and Performing Arts Magnet School, the arts and arts integration are always at the heart of what we do.
Throughout our hallways, bulletin boards, posters, and other displays became teaching tools. Classes also participated in a door decorating contest. Door and display themes showed famous African American, history, quotes, symbols of unity and freedom, and information regarding our Spirit Days.
Throughout the month, students and staff were invited to participate in Spirit Days on Tuesdays and Thursdays. We wore HBCU tee-shirts and colors, honored famous African American Athletes, honored cultural hairstyles and headwraps, just to name a few of the themes. In the middle of the month, we declared “Kings and Queens Day,” and wore traditional clothing, kente cloth colors and patterns, and held a parade of the “Kings and Queens” marching around the school. Students, faculty members, and community partners marched with flags, banners, artifacts, and miniature floats as the school gathered in the hallways just after morning arrival. Of course, a parade is not complete unless you add candy and music.
We held a traditional Read In with our very own resident author, Mrs. Keaundra Anderson Washington. We ended one afternoon together, virtually, by listening to storytelling by Mrs. Washington. She is the owner of KR Anderson Books and has written several children's books, including books about her own relatives. One book honors her family member who was a sports writer and had connections with Jackie Robinson.
Each grade level had an opportunity in Specials to experience hands on just how African American culture has influenced many aspects of the Visual Arts, Dance, and Music World. Students made connections to quilts and kente cloth patterns by becoming “human weavings” with ropes and cloths as well as matching patterns with a relay. Students danced and moved to several traditional styles of dance such as African Dance and Tap. Students also sang and made connections to traditional African games that use songs and chants. Our art teacher who is also a Yoga Instructor and African Dancer, Ms. Olivia Sledge, and our dance teacher. Miss Katie Allison, collaborated to design a full program, with support from our Band Teacher, Mr. Rick Sigler.
Our celebrating wrapped up with our annual assembly. Principal Calvin Freeman served as our keynote speaker; we continue to built connections with Reynolds High School as they are part of our Visual and Performing Arts Magnet Pathway. The University of North Carolina School of the Arts Artists of Color provided a full presentation of singing, dancing, and spoken word. Mr. Alex Askew and the East Forsyth Jazz Band performed and ended their portion of the program with our 5th grade Band TAG students and band instructor, Mr. Rick Sigler, accompanying them and offering several improvisational solos. Just before Principal, Dr. Cassandra Dobson, gave closing remarks, Ms. Ashley Richardson and Ms. Krystal Simmons’ 3rd Grade Class performed the spoken word piece, “Don’t Forget, I’ll Remember,” and led the audience through a call and response, reminding them of the rich history and deep truths they have celebrated this month.
Principal Dr. Dobson shared: “We have had an exciting month. We continuously look for opportunities to celebrate the cultures of our students and build connections among our school family. Black History Month has been another wonderful opportunity to integrate arts and academics, culture and social and emotional learning, and build on history, past and present.”
