Students and teachers in grades 3-12 welcomed Black History Month on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026 with a community gathering featuring powerful music and thoughtful presentations, kicking off a month of study, reflection, and inquiry into the lives and legacies of influential Black changemakers throughout history.
The kickoff event brought students together to honor the achievements, resilience, creativity, and leadership of Black individuals who have shaped our local communities, the nation, and the world. Through performance and thoughtful storytelling, students highlighted themes of courage, justice, innovation, and the ongoing pursuit of equity.
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The program marked the beginning of a month of study and inquiry across divisions. In classrooms, students will engage with the stories of artists, scientists, activists, educators, entrepreneurs, and civic leaders whose contributions have had a lasting impact.
Lessons are designed not only to deepen historical understanding, but also to help students make meaningful connections between past and present, examine diverse perspectives, and reflect on their own roles in building strong and inclusive communities.
This work reflects Morgan Park Academy’s mission to engage the whole child, inspire the independent learner, and prepare the global leader of tomorrow to make a positive difference in the world. By exploring the experiences and contributions of Black leaders across history and disciplines, students grow academically, socially, and ethically. They strengthen critical thinking, develop empathy, and build the confidence to ask questions, consider multiple viewpoints, and engage thoughtfully with complex issues — hallmarks of an MPA education.
“Black History Month is an opportunity for our students to listen, learn, and think deeply,” said Head of School Phyllis Cavallone-Jurek, Ed.D. “These experiences help students grow not only in knowledge, but in understanding. It prepares them to lead with empathy, integrity, and purpose.”
For the teacher who helped lead the Jan. 30 celebration, the moment was about more than a single assembly.
“We want students to see Black history as living history, as stories of creativity, perseverance, and leadership that connect to their own lives,” fourth-grade teacher Yolanda Patterson said. “When students hear music, share words, and learn these stories together, they build understanding and respect that extends far beyond the classroom.”
At Morgan Park Academy, Black History Month programming emphasizes that Black history is an essential part of American and global history. Through discussion, research, creative projects, and collaborative learning, students are encouraged to be curious, compassionate learners who understand the power of their voices and their responsibility to contribute positively to the world around them.
The opening event served as both a tribute and a call to continued learning, reminding the school community that understanding history empowers students to shape a more informed, inclusive, and just future.
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