4 Feb 2002
DISD Schoolchildren Celebrate African-American Heritage Month
DALLAS–Observed the entire month of February, African-American Heritage Month is not just a history lesson for students in the Dallas Independent School District. As various campuses participate in this year's celebration of African-American Heritage Month, the observance is a special kind of lesson for all students attending Dallas public schools.
"It's a lesson that revisits the contributions of black Americans," said Clarence Glover, DISD multicultural education executive director. "From the first African-American woman from the South to be elected to the U. S. Congress to the first African-American man appointed to the U. S. Supreme Court, the month of February provides students with role models. It's a lesson that acknowledges the diversity within the borders of the United States."
With morning announcements, exhibits, displays, door decorations, parades and special classroom assignments, students learn about the history of African Americans in areas ranging from science to literature. Several schools have planned programs that showcase the taste, art, fashion and soulful sounds and rhythms of the African-American community. Also, elected officials and community leaders have been invited to speak to students at assemblies and forums during the month-long observance.
African-American Heritage Month is one of several national cultural awareness months observed districtwide by individual campuses. During the fall term, students participated in various activities during Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 and American Indian Heritage Month in November. In May, students will celebrate Asian-American Heritage Month.
"The heritage months, celebrated throughout the year, expose students to the vast shades of cultures that give this country its distinctive American hue," Glover said. "The more exposure young people have to each other's heritage, the less conflict and strife they will experience, resulting in higher levels of respect and appreciation of each other."
For more news and information about the Dallas Independent School District, visit www.dallasisd.org