For a student to truly flourish, they must first feel a sense of belonging. This February, our campuses have been buzzing with an undeniable energy as we celebrate the rich history, vibrant present, and limitless future of Black excellence during Black History Month. While this month offers a special time for focused celebration, we remain committed to the truth that Black history is American history. We celebrate this legacy year-round as a vital pillar of our mission to create joyful learning environments, filled with opportunity for every child.
By honoring the Black pioneers who paved the way, we can help our learners recognize that their voices carry weight and their history is the foundation of our communities. From research projects to hallway decorations, every one of our schools found a unique way to celebrate Black History Month.
Students were encouraged to lead their own learning in a variety of ways: at CICS Lloyd Bond, a student independently researched and presented the legacy of Ruby Bridges to her class; at CICS Longwood Elementary, 6th graders explored the geography of Africa by designing educational postcards; and at CICS Longwood High School, Personal Care CTE students hosted traditional hair and nail demonstrations.
Keep reading for a few more highlights from Black History Month at Distinctive Schools:
Melodies of History at CICS Bucktown
In Norrisa Pearson’s music classes at CICS Bucktown, history jumped out of the textbooks and found a rhythm. The project began as creative "commercials" to tease the school’s Black History Month performance, but it quickly evolved as students’ curiosity grew. They stepped into the roles of researchers and writers, translating the legacies of trailblazers like Ella Fitzgerald, Misty Copeland, and Shirley Chisholm into original lyrics, dances, and skits. This journey from digital teasers to the Bucktown stage allowed students to own their learning, bringing historical figures from the screen to the stage to share stories of resilience and innovation.
For Ms. Pearson, the project was about sparking a lifelong passion for discovery. "Knowledge is power, and it’s extremely beneficial to open students’ minds to something they know little about," she explained. By blending history with the arts, CICS Bucktown students got to study the past while using it as a tool to tap into their own potential and ignite their imaginations.
Living History at CICS Loomis
Our youngest learners at CICS Loomis proved that you’re never too young to learn about the importance of making an impact. Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd-grade classrooms transformed the hallways into a "Living Wax Museum." Students were tasked with researching the life of an influential Black figure of their choosing. After weeks of deep learning, students stood poised as historical figures—from civil rights leaders like Malcolm X to athletes like Simone Biles—springing to life to share their stories with visitors, sharing the background of their learnings. It was a powerful display of confidence and a reminder that our students are the next generation of history-makers.
Radical Transparency at CICS West Belden
At CICS West Belden, the celebration of Black History Month extended far beyond the classroom walls. Paraprofessional Adam Bailey led this charge through a weekly newsletter and a dedicated bulletin board designed to bridge the gap between school and home. Each week, Mr. Bailey showcased "hidden gem" stories of Black trailblazers who transformed the worlds of science, architecture, and global culture.
"Black History Month is not just a month to recognize the Black community in America, but the entire diaspora," Mr. Bailey shared. "We wanted to make sure the students in our community felt truly seen and heard." By highlighting often-overlooked figures, the initiative reinforced the idea that Black history is a continuous conversation that belongs to everyone. As Mr. Bailey noted, "There are so many people responsible for the world we live in today. There are lots of cool facts we don't always know, and this is a great month to help highlight those things and share them with our families."
Thank you to our families and staff for partnering with us in this vital work. Together, we are building a future where opportunity, knowledge, and excellence are the standard for every child.