Students and staff paid attention during the Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School morning meeting, a gathering to prepare for the day, last Friday as first grade teaching assistant Jo-Ann Taylor shared the life and contributions of Marie Allen, a friend and Oak Bluffs resident who passed away earlier this month. Taylor shared with those present Allen’s lifetime in public service and accomplishments as president of the Martha’s Vineyard branch of the NAACP.
Her comments were part of the school’s celebration of Black History Month. Students and staff signed up to share about someone important to them and to Black history throughout February. Some added images and blurbs on a white board collage that people could read while walking down the school’s hallway or waiting in line for lunch. The board showcased various people, like abolitionist Harriet Tubman, civil rights leader Bob Moses, author Zora Neale Hurston, among others. The board also had culturally important information, such as the popular Marvel superhero Black Panther and the Black Panther Party community survival programs.
However, the Charter School makes sure Black history month doesn’t stay as a “token” month. Black history is integrated into the school’s social studies and history classes. Charter School diversity, equity, and inclusion co-coordinator Mathea Morais said this helps the school community to think about Black history beyond February. The morning meeting presentations for Black History Month started with an invitation to teachers to choose a day to talk about a person of their choice.
