February is Black History Month, and schools around the District celebrated and educated about Black History in many different ways. Whether in song, dance, drama, art, competitions, classroom lessons, or other creative ways, Cobb students learned many new and exciting things about Black History.

South Cobb High School held several events, including an exhibition and a panel discussion. The exhibit featured art and other items created by South Cobb students. One student, Fatouma, was displaying her hand-made bags and clothes. She uses a sewing machine and crocheting to make her own unique items. She said reading about history inspires many of her pieces. She also said she wasn't aware of all the talent in the arts at her school until Dr. Sean Strachan, the organizer of the exhibit and an Assistant Principal at South Cobb,  invited her to showcase her art. "Black history is a part of who we all are," Dr. Strachan said, "and I wanted the students to gain an appreciation for their culture. Studying the past can help us move forward."

Speaking of moving forward, South Cobb also hosted a panel discussion with several representatives from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Many of the representatives had ties to South Cobb High School, but all had compelling reasons for attending an HBCU. The panel was diverse and included athletes, musicians, public speakers, and professors, and each had a unique angle on why they benefitted from an HBCU. Students and parents in attendance were appreciative and learned a lot thanks to this "inside look" at the various opportunities available to all students at an HBCU.

At North Cobb High School, the Arts Department hosted a Celebration of Black History Month featuring singing, music, spoken word performances, and a keynote by Cobb Schools' Chief of School Leadership, Sherri Hill. "We make history every day," Mrs. Hill reminded the audience. "Whatever happened yesterday is called what? History, because it happened yesterday. So go out into the world and be great today because we are making history every day." 

Mrs. Hill's inspiring address was followed by an equally inspiring performance of a poem written by Destiny Elliot and performed by North Cobb student Itoro Okpok, and several other musical performances and closing remarks by Principal Matt Moody. Throughout the evening, visual art student Gabby Johnson also live-painted on the stage.

The Kennesaw Parks and Recreation hosted a Black History Bowl, where several Cobb schools participated. Awtrey, JJ Daniell, Garrett, and Lost Mountain Middle Schools all competed in the Bowl, which also included a few other local schools. JJ Daniel placed second in the event, and Awtrey placed third. All students got to spend time in the Rec Center's pool and enjoyed a relaxing afternoon of fun and snacks. Kennesaw Parks and Rec hopes to continue growing this annual event, so be sure to mark your calendars for next year!

At Sanders Elementary, students dressed up as and learned about many historical figures in a "living wax museum." Allatoona High School ran profile pieces of famous African Americans all month long on their social media pages. 

The Cobb County Center for Excellence in the Performing Arts staged "Bridges: A Black History Experience" on Valentine's Day. Billed as an "evening of edutainment," Bridges journeyed through the numerous artistic contributions of African Americans in the arts.  

Throughout the month, the District highlighted influential figures from Black History from varied backgrounds and training. From lawyer Jane Bolin to mathematician Katherine Johnson, to jazz musician Duke Ellington, to Civil War hero Robert Smalls, these short biographies showed the powerful impact one person can have.

There was much more happening around Cobb Schools to celebrate Black History Month. This small sampling was only a taste of the talent on display all over the county. Kids of all ages and educators participated in making 2023's Black History Month a success in the District and beyond. We can't wait to see what next year has in store!