Cobb Reporter

Throughout February, schools in the Cobb County School District commemorated Black History Month with various activities. Students, teachers, and staff engaged in exhibits, performances, fashion shows, and more to honor Black Americans' cultural heritage and contributions.

Several schools hosted artistic showcases. Austell Elementary School presented "An Array of Style in Fashion," connecting historical Black fashion with modern trends. Birney Elementary School students participated in an Afrobeats performance and a Living Wax Museum. Lassiter High School celebrated "The Rhythm of Our Heritage: A Celebration of Black Music Across Cultures" with musical talent showcases and dance sessions.

South Cobb High School featured student and staff performances including poetry readings and solos. Tapp Middle School's "Showtime at Tapp" included singing, dancing, poetry, and acting by students, teachers, and parents. Varner Elementary first-graders performed spirituals honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., with guest poet Pam Best presenting Invention ABC.

Interactive learning experiences were also prominent. Big Shanty Intermediate students collaborated on murals depicting Black history. Cheatham Elementary teacher Rachal Lawrence created a site for read-alouds and activities during the month. Hightower Trail Middle School held trivia sessions and service projects.

Pitner Elementary organized a poster gallery and Wax Museum led by teacher Marielle Lewis. The month ended with a performance titled "Change Makers," highlighting figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Maya Angelou, Mae Jemison, and Thurgood Marshall.

Sedalia Park Elementary transformed classroom doors into a museum walk for educational tours. Shallowford Falls Elementary engaged students with Black History Month Bingo.

Service projects were integral to many celebrations. South Cobb High used QR-coded posters to educate about historic African Americans and held a Spirit Week event.

Hillgrove High created an art walk featuring student works alongside live jazz music and culinary presentations of African diaspora cuisine.

Wheeler High's Black Student Union recognized individuals under the theme "Greatness in Every Small Act." Honorees included Gianna Jones for her humanitarian work, Miles Stewart for founding Atlanta Outreach Teams, Bryan Love for his mentorship as a coach, and Judy Collins posthumously for her long service as front office clerk.

Campbell High held its annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Awards Ceremony recognizing students who break barriers or serve their communities in categories such as Trailblazer with Courage, Perseverance, Visionary (Creativity), Civic Participation (Community Engagement), and Synergistic (Collaborative).

These events across the district not only honored historical contributions but also encouraged recognition of ongoing achievements by Black individuals today.