Across the Leona Group's system of K-12 schools, students and educators came together to celebrate Black History Month through engaging lessons, creative projects and meaningful events that honor the rich history, culture and contributions of African American individuals. From interactive displays and student-led performances to guest speakers and classroom discussions, schools created opportunities for reflection, learning and appreciation. These celebrations not only highlight the past but also inspire future generations by emphasizing the importance of diversity, inclusion and understanding. This article showcases how schools bring history to life and foster a deeper sense of connection and respect within their communities.

Students at ECUEA celebrated Black History Month by creating engaging poster board presentations showcasing influential African American figures. Each student researched a historical or contemporary leader, detailing their achievements and impact on society. Their posters featured key facts, images and creative design elements that brought their subjects to life. Through this project, students combined research and visual presentation skills to deepen their understanding and appreciation of history and its lasting contributions.

ABTE hosted its annual celebration on February 26th, drawing more than 100 parents and guests. The event, themed "The Time Machine: Exploring Black History's Footprints," offered a dynamic showcase that took attendees on a journey through time, celebrating the achievements and contributions of African American individuals who have shaped history.

Each class or grade level focused on a specific era: the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s, the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s-1960s, the Cultural Movements and Innovations of the 1970s-1980s, and Modern Excellence from the 1990s-2000s. Through song, dance, art and spoken word, student performances highlighted the poetry of Langston Hughes, Swing dancing, Nina Simone, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision, Alvin Ailey's dance legacy, the impact of "Soul Train," and the significance of the Divine Nine.

CCALE celebrated by incorporating daily spotlights into their morning announcements. Each day, students and staff learned about influential leaders who have made a lasting impact on history. Through short stories, videos and music, these announcements brought Black excellence to the forefront in a way that is both engaging and meaningful. This daily recognition helped students connect with history and appreciate the contributions these significant individuals have made — and continue to make — across all areas of society.

SPA celebrated with a vibrant Tribal Tribute and Black History Program. The event featured songs, poems and impactful facts about African American history. Students participated in a door-decorating contest, with creative displays judged by the school board. Additionally, classes crafted tribal masks, competing to earn dress-down tickets for the winning class. The celebration fostered learning, creativity and a further appreciation for Black history and culture.

GCA students honored Black History Month through artistic expression and written reflections on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and legacy. They engaged in creative activities that highlighted his message of equality and justice, showcasing their work throughout the school as a tribute to his impact and the significance of Black history.

CCAUE proudly celebrated with engaging activity books given to all students, highlighting influential historical figures and their contributions to STEM. To commemorate the occasion, every student also received special bracelets and pencils. Throughout the month, CCAUE showcased a historical figure each day, sharing their inspiring quotes on the school’s Class Dojo page.

NA celebrated Black History Month by partnering with the Flint Institute of Arts to provide meaningful art education to its students. Throughout the month, students explored quilting as a powerful storytelling medium in African American culture, creating their own classroom quilts as a reflection of this tradition. Additionally, they studied the work of renowned African American artist Romare Bearden, learning about his unique collage techniques and applying them to their own artistic creations. Through these hands-on experiences, students gained a deeper appreciation for the rich artistic heritage and cultural contributions of African American artists.

ABTMH celebrated Black History Month with a door-decorating competition, where instructors and students collaborated to create meaningful and artistic displays. Each decorated door showcased student creativity while reflecting a deep sense of pride in their culture and the rich history of resilience, courage and love. Through this project, students not only expressed their artistic talents but also honored the significance of Black history in a visually impactful way.

Students at PAE engaged in a collaborative project, creating a vibrant and interactive display in their classroom. Their work showcased influential leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Malcolm X, Madam C.J. Walker and Harriet Tubman, along with other pioneers in science, art, literature and sports. The display, filled with colorful visuals, photographs and student-written biographies, reflected their dedication to learning and celebrating history.