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Celebrating Black History Month At PCA

Black History Month is “an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history.” In 1915 Harvard historian Dr. Carver G. Woodson and minister, Jessi E. Mooreland developed the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), an organization whose purpose was to bring to focus the achievements of Black Americans as well as others of African decent.

It took more than 50 years of work before Black History Month became a vital part of curriculum in schools and celebrations in communities around the nation. In 1976 Black History Month was officially recognized by President Gerald Ford who asked citizens to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

Following the traditions set forth by Dr. Woodson, Pastor Mooreland, as well as President Ford, PCA is celebrating Black History month by focusing on the works of Black Americans across its grade level curriculums.

In the elementary school hall, second grade teacher Leesa Welch is spotlighting historical figures though stories and activities. One man being George Washington Carver and how he came up with over 300 uses for the peanut!

Art teacher Anna Boyer’s elementary classes are taking the classic story, Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold, and recreating the illustrations with drawings of themselves. “The children are drawing and painting themselves flying over NYC,” said Boyer, “as we discuss what we would like to see changed in the world and our lives.”

Coach John Harris’ 6th and 7th grade Leadership classes focused on Black and African Americans through the Black Inventor research and poster project. Students chose an inventor such as Augustus Jackson, Madam C.J. Walker, T.W. Stewart, and Otis Boykin, researched their accomplishments, and presented their findings via an informative poster. When asked to name an interesting fact she learned by doing this assignment, 7th grader Luci Noce said, “I learned there were more black inventors than we can ever count. More than I ever knew.”  

Other greats such as James Weldon who wrote the poem, “The Creation” and great musical artists such as Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong along with many other historical figures are also being celebrated throughout PCA classrooms this month.

Heart For Missions Month: Children Helping Children

February is a month commonly associated with love, but not just for Valentine’s Day, it is also Heart for Missions Month, and if anyone knows how to show their heart, it would be PCA students. 

Introduced via a fun “News” video during last week's chapel, Lower School Student Council challenged classmates to help raise money for school supplies for children living at the Lamb Institute in Honduras, a “Christ-centered, multifaceted ministry based in Tegucigalpa, Honduras [that seeks to] share the hope found in Christ Jesus as we care for, educate, protect, and empower those suffering extreme poverty, abuse, and exploitation in Honduras.”

This idea was birthed by Lower School third grade representative and student in Mrs. Adkins' class, Hadley Silvester. Hadley came up with the idea after Mrs. Adkins' friend came to talk to the class about her work at LAMB. “When I heard of Honduras,” Silvester said, “and how much the children needed, I felt we should donate money to them so life could be easier for them.”

 “After Hadley heard [Suzy] speak about life in Honduras,” Mrs. Adkins added, “she was moved to want to help others less fortunate.”

 In his Lower School chapel Loom, principal Rick Martin said that what he is most excited about in this drive was the fact that it was children, giving to children, to bless children in the name of Jesus. As Dr. Martin reminded the students, “Jesus used 2 fish and 5 loaves to feed 5000! Just think what He can do with a couple of coins.”

 But how can our lower school help with a monetary donation? By going home and busting into their piggy banks or getting creative by raising money. 

 This past Saturday, fourth graders Asher Beckett, Rawls Karnes, and second grader Asa Beckett decided to hold a candy and water sale outside of the Beckett house. The boys put up a table, made a sign, and encouraged neighbors to donate funds. Altogether they raised $145.

 Starting today, jars will be placed in each classroom for students to be able to contribute any size donation for the week. The Lower School student council will be going around on Friday to pick up the jars. The class who collects the most coins in K-2 and grades 3-5 will win a free dress down day.

 We can’t wait to see how much our PCA students raise.