February is recognized nationally as Black History Month, a time to focus particular attention on the historical contributions of African Americans. Since 2016, the Black History Planning Committee at Saint Ignatius High School has come together to organize events to celebrate this month with our entire school community. These events are designed to offer an immersion in African American culture through history, food, art, music and theater.
The month of activities begins on February 1, with our
Black History Night Basketball game: JV/Varsity vs. John Marshall. Both teams will wear our Black History t-shirts designed by Saint Ignatius students, and at halftime we will recognize Retanio Rucker '77.
A
Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Prayer Service will be held on
Friday, February 9 as a celebration of the life of Dr. King. Our Campus Dining team will also feature "Dr. King's Favorite Food," on the menu during all lunch periods.
A mainstay of the month has become
The History Makers Speaker Series. This year's speakers feature:
Mr. Reggie Kelly, Director/Choreographer
TOPIC: History of Black Broadway Musicals
Hosted by: The Harlequins
Dr. Tomeka Robinson
TOPIC: Speaking Truth to Power: The Influence of Rhetoric with Social Movements
Hosted by: Multicultural Student Union
Teri Cross Davis & Hayes Davis
TOPIC: These are Good Times: Examining the Dynamics of Family Through Poetry
Hosted by: VISTA & The Young Authors Club
Mr. Prester Pickett, Sr.
TOPIC: Soul of Cleveland Virtual Tour
Hosted by: The History Department
On Saturday, February 10 at 7 p.m. we will host
"Broadway Noir" - A Homage to Black Broadway Musicals at The Breen Center for the Performing Arts. This cabaret-style show is a revue of music from musicals such as,
The Wiz,
Ain't Misbehavin',
Dream Girls and more. Our students will perform with this ensemble cast. Doors open at
6:30 p.m. Saint Ignatius faculty, staff and students receive free admission.
Black History Month t-shirts are also for sale throughout the month. Long sleeve shirts are $20 and short sleeve shirts are $15. The shirts were designed by Saint Ignatius students and all proceeds will be donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Cleveland. Students can wear these shirts on Fridays during February as we celebrate Black History Month.
Stay tuned for more news and updates throughout the month.
We would also like to recognize our student representatives on the Black History Month Planning Committee for their hard work and commitment. Thanks to Armand Muhammad '18, Rual Morgan, Jr. '18, Jonathan Barnes '18 and David Okocha '19.