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Honoring Black History, Uplifting Black Futures

This Black History Month, The Richmond Neighborhood Center has been honored to celebrate the rich culture, history, and contributions of the Black community through incredible events and student-led initiatives. From performances that lifted our spirits to hands-on learning experiences, we are proud of the ways our students and partners came together in the spirit of Black joy, education, and community.

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Black Joy Talent Show Brings Community Together

Rosa Parks Elementary was recently filled with music, movement, and celebration as The Richmond Neighborhood Center partnered with the Rosa Parks school community to host an amazing Black Joy talent show.


The audience was packed, engaged, and full of energyβ€”singing, dancing, and cheering for each incredible act. In addition to the performances, local organizations set up tables selling hats and shirts and sharing resources that serve the Black community. It was a true celebration of culture, resilience, and joy.

More photos & videos on our website: https://richmondsf.org/news/blackjoytalentshow/

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Middle School Students Bringing Black History to Life

Students from our Roosevelt Middle School Beacon program took time this month to visit our elementary schools and read books focused on Black history to younger students. These peer-led readings created meaningful moments for our younger learners, offering them engaging stories that highlight the achievements and resilience of Black leaders, artists, and changemakers. 

Above: Some of the books chosen to share with students. Available from Green Apple Books. Shop Local!

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Cooking Up Culture at Argonne Elementary

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At Argonne Elementary, students explored Black history through food, making traditional dishes like gumbo and banana pudding. These dishes hold deep historical significance in African American culture:

Gumbo is a dish with roots in West African, French, and Native American traditions, often seen as a symbol of community and cultural blending. African cooks in Louisiana blended traditional recipes with available ingredients, creating the rich, flavorful stew we know today.

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Banana pudding has long been a staple dessert in Black Southern cuisine, popularized during the 20th century and frequently featured at family gatherings and celebrations.

Gumbo recipe


Ingredients

β…“ cup flour

2 tbsp butter

2 TBSP oil

1 green pepper chopped

3 celery stalks chopped

Β½ tsp Garlic powder

salt/pepper to taste about 1/2 tsp each

1 medium onion chopped

1 tbsp creole spice

2 cups broth

1 rotisserie chicken

2 cups cooked rice (brown or white)

3 TBSP fresh chopped parsley


Directions:

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.

2. Place the 2 TBSP of oil into the pan and allow to warm.

3. Add the butter to the skillet and allow to melt.

4. Add the onions, celery, and green pepper to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes.

5. Add in the garlic and allow it to cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. (we used garlic powder). 

6. Stir in the flour.

7. Add in the cajun seasoning and mix well to combine.

8. Slowly add in the chicken broth, about a 1/4 cup at a time, stirring to combine well before each new addition.

9. Allow to simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

10. Add in the shredded rotisserie chicken, stirring to mix well, and allow to warm through, about 5 minutes.

11. Top with fresh chopped parsley and rice and enjoy!

Banana Pudding recipe


Ingredients

2 cups cold milk 

1 (5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix

1 (5 ounce) package instant banana pudding mix

1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1 (12 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

1 (16 ounce) package vanilla wafers

14 small bananas, sliced or to taste

 

Directions:


Gather all ingredients.


Place milk and pudding mix in a large bowl; beat with a whisk for 2 minutes. Blend in condensed milk until smooth.


Stir in vanilla, then fold in whipped topping.


Layer wafers, banana slices, and pudding mixture in a glass serving bowl.


For best results, chill pudding in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.

When ready to serve, top with extra crushed wafers.


Enjoy!

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Thank you to all the students, staff, and community partners who made these events so special. Black history is a living legacyβ€”one that fuels the present and shapes the future. Each story told, tradition shared, and achievement honored strengthens the foundation for generations to come.


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