Join Local Students for Black History Month Celebrations

Students from across Philadelphia study Black Culture and Showcase their Talents

PHILADELPHIA — This February all across the School District of Philadelphia students are celebrating Black History Month. Part of the aim of the month is to recognize significant contributions black people have made to America and the world throughout history. There are several opportunities for the public and the media to witness our school communities learning about and celebrating African-Americans.

“Here in the School District of Philadelphia we are proud of our diversity and are excited to showcase the vast contributions that African-Americans have made to our city and country,” said William R. Hite, Superintendent of the School District of Philadelphia. “For years in our schools African-American studies has been a required course for graduation and that shows that we have a long standing commitment to this important topic. We also have incredibly talented students who have a thirst for learning and this month is another great opportunity for us to continue the learning process by examining and celebrating our history.”

Here are the events that will take place on throughout the month of February, all of which feature students from across the District:

Events at District Education Center

Art Exhibit and MLK Sculpture on Display at District Education Center

WHAT:  More than 50 students from across the city, including the Philadelphia High School for the Creative & Performing Arts (CAPA), Art-Reach, Overbrook School for the Blind, Girard College, and Big Brother Big Sisters Independence Region, designed sculptures of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

These sculptures will be prominent locations throughout the City through the end of February in honor or Black History Month. Locations include: School District of Philadelphia Administration Building, African American Museum, Betsy Ross House, City Hall, Comcast Center Plaza, The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Philadelphia Museum of Art, and Temple University.

WHEN: February 1-28

The School District of Philadelphia Presents: A Black History Month Art Exhibit

WHO: Local Philadelphia Artists including District Administrators: Pheralyn Dove, Cheryl Mason-Dorman, Pauline Houston McCall, Tiffany Murphy, LuzSelenia Salas, Jose Sebourne, Seema Shakti, Emilee J. Taylor

WHAT: A Black History Month Art Exhibit to Paintings, Photography, Jewelry and Sculpture.

WHERE: SDP Education Center, 440 N. Broad Street, 2nd Floor

WHEN: February 5 – March 5, 2018
*Viewing times: 9 am – 5 pm
*Artist Meet and Greet Thursday, February 22
4 pm – 7 pm

Black History Month Panel and Performance Series: Part II – History of African Americans in Philadelphia

WHO: Guest speakers V. Chapman-Smith, a historian from the National Archives, Dr. Diane Turner, curator of the Charles Blockson Collection, and Melvin Garrison will discuss the History of Black Philadelphia. Event will also showcase student performances of prominent Black songs and poems.
TOPIC: The History of Black Philadelphia

WHERE: SDP Education Center, 440 N. Broad St.

WHEN: Tuesday, February 13
6 pm – 8 pm

Black History Month Student Performance at the SRC Meeting

WHAT: Student performance featuring Spoken Word and Singing

WHERE: SDP Education Center, 440 N. Broad St.

WHEN: Thursday, February 15
4:30 pm

Black History Month Panel and Performance Series: Part III – African American Music Tradition

WHAT: A celebration of Black Music Tradition with students, community members, and scholars. The evening will include mini-lectures and accompanying performances that cover the historical significance and cultural implications of a variety of Black music genres spanning three centuries.

WHERE: SDP Education Center, 440 N. Broad St.

WHEN: Wednesday, February 28
6 pm – 8 pm

School and Community Based Events

Dimplez 4 Dayz presents the “Be Free” Black History Month Celebration

WHO: District student, Akayla “Dimplez” Brown founder of nonprofit Dimplez 4 Dayz
WHAT: Free community program to feature artists whose work will benefit children and youth in Philadelphia. Enjoy free food, and resources that aims to promote youth empowerment.
WHERE: Myers Recreation Center, 5801 Kingsessing Ave.
WHEN: Saturday, February 10
1 pm – 4 pm
*About Dimplez 4 Dayz: Akayla “Dimplez” Brown, 15 Freshman at Bodine High School and the founder of Dimplez 4 Dayz, a nonprofit that keeps smiles in the hearts and minds of children, youth, and families. She believes that with access to the right resources, people can become empowered by their own abilities and gain the confidence to fulfill their potential. This is by no means an easy feat, “but through cooperation and community empowerment, I believe we can facilitate progress in this area”. For more information, please visit us at www.dimplez4dayz.org

Frankford High School Hosts 2nd Annual #Blackgirlmagic Celebration

WHO: Frankford High School Students
WHAT: 2nd Annual #Blackgirlmagic celebration to feature student performances in oration, fashion, music and art exhibits.
WHERE: Frankford High School, 5000 Oxford Ave.
WHEN: Thursday, February 22
10:30 am – 11:30 am

IDAAY African American Knowledge Competition

WHO: Institute for the Development of African American Youth
WHAT: African American Knowledge Competition. Win prizes, trophies and much more.
WHERE: Temple University Main Campus (Glatfelter Hall, 1st fl. Auditorium), 11th and Berks Street
WHEN: Thursday, February 22
5 pm -7:30 pm

Community Conversations: A Dialogue with a Civil Rights Legend Dr. Bernard LaFayette, Jr.

WHAT: Civil Rights Activist Dr. Bernard LaFayette, Jr. to host a community conversation centered around topics from his latest book “In Peace and Freedom: My Journey to Selma”
WHERE: Martin Luther King High School Auditorium, 6100 Stenton Ave.
WHEN: Saturday, February 24
2 pm – 4 pm

John Barry School Presents the History of Motown Music

WHO: John Barry School Students
WHAT: Black History Celebration featuring student performances inspired by the soulful tunes of the legendary Motown Record Company
WHERE: John Barry School, 5900 Race St.
WHEN: Wednesday, February 28
10 am

Ziegler School’s Black History Month Celebration

WHO: Ziegler Elementary School Students
WHAT: Black History Month Celebration
WHERE: Ziegler Elementary School, 5935 Saul St.
WHEN: March 2
9:15 am