Forest Park Middle School students concluded February’s Black History Month with a theater performance honoring influential figures in Black history. Through four short plays, students brought the stories of notable leaders and changemakers to life for an audience of classmates, staff and families. The reader’s theatre-style performance took place on Feb. 27 at the middle school.
“As we celebrate 100 years of Black history, our reader’s theatre gave our scholars the opportunity to not just study history, but to make their voices and work part of a historic moment, honoring the past while inspiring the future,” said Terriyaka Watson, principal of Forest Park Middle School. “Just thinking about how our scholars embodied these leaders gives me chills. I am incredibly proud of their courage, dedication, and voice, and deeply grateful to our staff, who worked tirelessly to prepare them and teach the powerful history behind the performance.”
The first play of the evening told the story of Lonnie Johnson, inventor of the Super Soaker water gun. It was followed by a play about Madam C. J. Walker, who is recognized by the “Guinness Book of World Records” as the first female self-made millionaire in the United States. The third play highlighted Henry ‘Box’ Brown, who escaped slavery by shipping himself in a wooden crate. The final performance focused on Rory Hoskins, the current mayor of Forest Park.
Hoskins, who made history as Forest Park’s first Black mayor, attended the performance and spoke during the event.
“It was great to have Mayor Hoskins there and to hear him speak to the students about how honored he felt to be recognized,” said Rachelle Ernst, director of engagement for D91. “He also encouraged them to continue to be involved in their community and to make a positive impact.”
Ernst said 27 students participated in the plays, either as cast members or as part of the stage crew.
“Our scholars really showed up,” she said. “It was so great to see them embody these important influential figures.”
The performance took place on the last day of National Public Schools Week, which was celebrated from Feb. 23-27.
“National Public Schools Week provides an opportunity to honor the educators, families, and students who make our schools strong and to celebrate the excellence, opportunity, and collaboration that define District 91,” Ernst said.
In addition to the performance honoring Black History Month, other highlights during the week included a district-wide school spirit day and a mobile coffee cart that delivered treats to staff at each of D91’s schools.
“It was just a wonderful week that highlighted so much goodness about D91,” Ernst said.