Every year the students and teachers of Forest Park Middle School take a moment in the month of February to celebrate the accomplishments of African Americans. This year was no exception. On Wednesday, February 18th, 2015, the students and staff gathered in the cafetorium for a special assembly. First, the chorus sang a rousing rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Then, professional storyteller Linda Gorham took the stage.
Ms. Gorham told the story of the of the Civil Rights Movement in the form of the 381 day long Montgomery Bus Boycott. During the course of her story she became the characters. She took on the persona of Claudette Colvin, a fifteen year old who was escorted off the bus before Rosa Parks’ famous arrest. Then, she gave us Blake, the bus driver’s point of view. Finally, she became the mother of the Civil Rights Movement herself: Ms. Rosa Parks.
The students loved the performance and the historical slides Ms. Gorham used to enhance her performance. While most teachers include activities to celebrate Black History Month it is wonderful to see the school come together in celebration.
