Black History Month in District #7

Written by Caroline Gates, PR Intern 

Since 1976, February has been celebrated as Black History Month. In District #7, each classroom is encouraged to incorporate Black History education, with each school doing different things not only throughout the month of February, but throughout the whole school year. Some of those things include the Glen Carbon Elementary Black History mini museum, while at EHS, students can enroll in a Black Experience class. Schools also highlight and celebrate the vast contributions of Black Americans during morning announcements, while many buildings are adorned in artwork featuring famous Black Americans. 

Dr. Cornelia Smith, the District’s Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI), said it's important for all students to know about Black History.  

“Black History is American History. Historically, it has not been well-integrated. It is important for not only Black kids to know Black History, but for white kids to know Black History because it’s their history too. For Asian kids to know. For all American citizens to know about Black History. It happened in this country.”  

Dr. Smith also stressed the importance of implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion outside February.  

“Being open to learning about different cultures and trying new things, and being intentional about learning, about people who may not look like you, and just remembering that everybody wants respect,” she said. “Kids come to school the way they are. All our spaces should be a place where they can be themselves, where they feel safe, accepted, and comfortable to learn and grow in our school environment. I have always been intentional about creating a school environment that feels good to all kids.”