Although the New Rochelle High School English Department understands the importance of regularly celebrating the contributions African Americans have made to the literary landscape, the department used the month of February to pay special attention to prolific writers, both past and present.
John Beneville taught a Black History Month-themed lesson related to the study of the character Crooks in “Of Mice and Men,” by John Steinbeck. He exposed the students to W.E.B. Du Bois and Booker T. Washington, and the different pathways the two men imagined for Black empowerment and success, and encouraged students to connect their understanding of those two men and their ideas to Crooks. The students discussed and applied complex ideas to their understanding of Crooks’ character.
Alicia Lerman partnered with her yellow team Social Studies teacher, Richard Dower, on an African Culture Project called the “Taste of Africa” interdisciplinary project. Students researched an element of African culture and taught what they learned to small groups of students in the Yellow Nine English and Global Studies classes. Students were extremely engaged throughout their process of learning and teaching.
Kelsey Rogalewicz spotlighted books written by African American authors with her Black History Month Book display in her classroom.
On Friday, February 18, what would have been Toni Morrison’s 91st birthday, the English Department hosted its inaugural African American Read-In. This National Council of Teachers of English-sponsored event commemorates books written by Black authors that elevate Black experiences. During this literary celebration, students read excerpts from novels and short stories written by Nikki Giovanni, Rita Dove, Ta Nehisi Coates, and Langston Hughes. Additionally, students read original pieces written for this special occasion. It was a beautiful way to celebrate Black History Month.