Upper School Community Celebrates Black History Month

February marks the month-long celebration of Black History Month, and to honor important figures throughout history, sophomore Peighton Alston and senior Konye Taylor, president and vice president of the Black Student Union respectively, have been sending out daily emails featuring quotes and fun facts about notable people in Black history. The correspondences include scholar Carter G. Woodson, civil rights activist and scholar W.E.B. Du Bois, mathematician for NASA Katherine Johnson, and many more.  

 

“I feel it's important to share these quotes and stories of some of the influential black people who have made a big difference in the world because sometimes people tend to forget or not tell the whole story,” said Peighton. “It serves not only as a reminder of the fact that black people are important to the history and progression of society, but also as a learning opportunity for those who just aren't aware.”

 

The Upper School community also welcomed three members of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity from Southern Connecticut State University and the University of New Haven to campus for a presentation and dance performance as part of their end-of-week assembly.

 

The presentation began with a video on the history and culture of the Divine One, which consists of nine fraternities and sororities created by Black students across various Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). They also shared the history of stepping and proceeded to perform a stepping routine for the students and faculty.