LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, NJ -- Black History Month is here, and Linden Public Schools is gearing up for a dynamic, monthlong celebration filled with assemblies, contests, performances, and activities that honor the legacy, achievements, and contributions of Black individuals throughout history.
For nearly a century, Black History Month has served as a time to reflect, educate, and celebrate. The origins of this national observance trace back to 1926, when historian Carter G. Woodson established Negro History Week as a way to highlight African American history, which was often overlooked in mainstream narratives. Over the years, the celebration expanded, and in 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month, urging Americans to "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history."
๐๐ข๐ง๐๐๐ง ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ ๐๐๐ก๐จ๐จ๐ฅ๐ฌ ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ซ๐๐ญ๐๐ฌ ๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ค ๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ฒ ๐๐จ๐ง๐ญ๐ก ๐ฐ๐ข๐ญ๐ก ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ฏ๐๐ง๐ญ๐ฌ
Linden Public Schools has planned a dynamic and enriching series of events for Black History Month, celebrating African American heritage through a variety of performances, educational activities, themed dress days, competitions, and cultural showcases. Students across the district will participate in:
Multicultural Assemblies & Live Performances โ Bringing history to life through music, dance, and drama.
Historical Reenactments & Poetry Contests โ Showcasing student creativity and voices.
Musical Recitals โ Highlighting the influence of Black artists and composers.
Black Cultural Festival at Linden High School & Black History Month Showcase at McManus Middle School โ Celebrating African American heritage through student-led performances and exhibits.
Schools will engage students through interactive projects, including:
-- Door Decorating Contests โ Transforming hallways into immersive history exhibits.
-- Trivia Competitions & Kahoot Games โ Encouraging learning in an engaging way.
-- Technology-Driven Initiatives โ Featuring student-created video documentaries.
Additionally, community involvement is a key focus, with events such as:
-- Culinary Celebrations Featuring Soul Food โ Exploring the cultural significance of food in Black history.
-- Family STEM Nights โ Encouraging collaboration and learning through science, technology, engineering, and math.
-- Student-Led Leadership Initiatives โ Empowering students to share their voices and perspectives.
This yearโs national theme, African Americans and Labor, highlights the vital role Black workers have played in shaping industries, communities, and movements for justice. Linden Public Schools will honor this theme through engaging programs that not only celebrate history but also connect students to present-day changemakers and role models.
Superintendent Atiya Y. Perkins emphasized the districtโs commitment to ensuring Black history is recognized not just in February, but throughout the entire year.
"Black history is American history, and it is essential that our students see themselves reflected in the curriculum and in the stories we share," she said.
Linden Public Schools invites students, families, and the broader community to participate in this month of learning, inspiration, and celebration. Stay tuned for updates on special events happening throughout February!