Black History Month
"Our History. Our Legacy."
This month, we celebrate Black History Month by reaffirming our commitment to equity, access and inclusivity. This celebration is part of our school community's mission to ensure a sense of inclusion, belonging and dignity for our entire school community. The Black Association of Stevenson Students (BASS) Club, in partnership with other student organizations, proudly brings you a series of celebration events throughout the month of February. Check out the events below!
Events
Wednesday, February 2
BASS Club and Stevenson Film Club present Hidden Figures
3:45 - 6 p.m.
Stevenson High School | Recital Hall
The Stevenson Film Club provides a space for students at all grade levels to view a wide range of films in a movie-theater-styled setting and to engage in discussion of those films in a casual environment. In partnership with BASS Club, the Stevenson Film Club will be screening the 2016 film Hidden Figures. Based on the nonfiction book Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Who Helped Win the Space Race written by Margot Lee Shetterly, the story tells of a team of female African-American mathematicians who served a vital role in NASA during the early years of the U.S. space program.
To learn more about the Stevenson Film Club, click here.
Thursday, February 10
BASS Club and FIRE Club present Match the Vision to the Visionary
3:30 - 5 p.m.
Stevenson High School | Room 2104
BASS Club and FIRE Club collaborate on an activity open to all students about lesser known visions and ideas of Black visionaries. "Match the Vision to the Visionary" is designed to spark important discussions about these important figures in Black history and why they may be lesser known.
To learn more about FIRE Club, click here.
Thursday, February 24
BASS Club and DivCo present Operation Black History Month: Showcase and Exhibit
3:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Stevenson High School | Room 2104
BASS Club, in partnership with Diversity Council (DivCo), invite students to participate in Operation Black History Month, a showcase about Black culture including Black history, hair braiding and beauty, art and artifacts, games and more. After the showcase and exhibit, students are invited to watch a dance performance in the Wood Commons, so be sure to mark your calendars and be prepared to learn and be engaged!
To learn more about DivCo, click here.
Monday, February 28
Speakers of Color
Activity Period (10:06 - 10:49 a.m.)
Stevenson High School | Wood Commons
Dr. Michael Allen and Mr. Gilbert Allen both grew up in the Waukegan area and have a very compelling story. They have co-authored a book entitled Brotherly Love -- an inspiring, true story of what it takes to persevere through the real obstacles facing young Black boys today. While talking plainly and frankly about poverty and racism, Brotherly Love gives holistic and practical tools that will help youth navigate their feelings, inspire them to seek out and value mentorship, and empower them to trust their own inner strength
Purchase the book Brotherly Love on Amazon.
Stories of Stevenson: Deven Sainte-Rose
Today marks the start of Black History Month, and sophomore student Deven Sainte-Rose hopes fellow students not only take away a better understanding of the importance of Black history — he also hopes to expand the school community’s involvement and engagement with Black students.
“Black History Month is important because it’s necessary to highlight and celebrate Black history and culture, but I feel another important goal is to promote inclusivity,” says Deven, who is also a member of the Black Association of Stevenson Students (BASS) club. “People may think our club is mainly for Black students, but it’s not true.”
To better engage more of our school community, BASS Club has partnered with other student organizations to create a series of events throughout the month. They include a screening of Academy Award-nominated film Hidden Figures and an interactive activity and discussion about lesser known Black visionaries. BASS has also partnered with Diversity Council on an expansive showcase focused on Black culture and a dance performance.
Students play an integral role in Stevenson’s commitment to equity and ensuring a sense of inclusion, belonging and dignity for the entire school community. Deven hopes students from all corners of Stevenson’s community stay engaged with equity and race issues beyond this month’s activities.
“One of the best things about BASS is that it's very welcoming. Regardless of ethnicity, anyone can join or participate in our weekly meetings and activities,” he says. To learn more about the Black History Month activities planned by BASS, visit d125.org/black-history-month.
Deven's story is part of Stories of Stevenson, a new series featuring students, faculty and staff who inspire us everyday. You can find Stories of Stevenson each month in the Daily Digest and on Facebook, Instagram and the internal monitors around school! #storiesofstevenson