This February, our campus came alive with the rich history, culture, and contributions of Black Americans as we celebrated Black History Month. Through a series of immersive and educational events and some very special guests that visited our campus, we honored the past, embraced the present, and inspired the future.
Engaging Conversations with Community Heroes
We kicked off the month with an enlightening discussion during the Upper School Assembly, with Former Congressman Jim Davis, Julian Lane, Shirley Lowry, and Karla Hartley, all heroes in our very own community. They fostered conversations about perseverance and justice and spoke about When the Righteous Triumph, a play returning to the Straz after a successful run at the Stageworks Theatre in 2023. This compelling drama brings to life the courageous stories of individuals who stood up against injustice and fought for equality through sit-ins that led to the desegregation of Tampa lunch counters in the 1960s. It is a powerful tribute to the unsung heroes of the Civil Rights Movement. Their presence and stories deepened our understanding of local Civil Rights history and the ongoing fight for justice, and our Upper School students look forward to seeing the production in the coming days.
The Tampa Fire Department also joined us, connecting with students and highlighting the crucial role of Black firefighters in shaping our community’s safety. Adding to the inspiration, we received a heartfelt video message from Coach Todd Bowles, who shared words of wisdom and encouragement, emphasizing the importance of resilience and dedication.
The Inaugural Black History Month Festival
On February 21st, we hosted a Black History Month Festival. It was a dynamic celebration of Black excellence in sports, arts, and academia. Tampa Bay Buccaneers player Will Gholston captivated students with autograph signings and stories of Black athletes who broke barriers and made history. The festival buzzed with energy as Black-Owned local favorites like Shaved by the Bay and Konan’s BBQ served delicious treats, while performances from Divine 9 fraternities and sororities, including Alpha Phi Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, and Omega Psi Phi, brought powerful expressions of unity and tradition.
The USF Institute on Black Life, Mahogany Kids Fine Arts Foundation, and the Florida Sentinel enriched our festival with educational resources and artistic expressions. Tables showcasing Black artists and authors offered students a chance to explore literature and art that resonates with cultural pride and storytelling. Interactive arts and crafts stations sparked creativity, while the Tampa Bay Fashion Experience highlighted the influence of Black designers in shaping contemporary style.
Moments of Personal Impact
Our Lower School students embraced the themes of Black History Month through a door-decorating contest. Each grade crafted vibrant displays that reflected various aspects of Black history and culture. The creativity and thoughtfulness poured into these decorations, transforming our hallways into a living gallery of learning and appreciation.
But, one of the most impactful stories from this month came from Jake D., a 5th-grade student who chose to highlight author and mental health advocate Kevin Dedner at our annual Change Maker Museum. Every year in February our fifth graders transform into world-changing leaders and speak about their impactful stories. Jake’s recognition of Dedner caught the author’s attention on LinkedIn, leading to a special surprise. Dedner sent Jake a signed copy of his book with a personalized message inside, showing the power of connection and the impact of storytelling.
Black History Month at CDS was more than a collection of events — it was a profound celebration of the enduring legacy of Black leaders, innovators, and changemakers. As we reflect on the month’s inspiring moments, from the energy of our inaugural festival to honoring local heroes and connecting with influential figures, we extend our deepest gratitude to our Director of Community Engagement Shelly Hollingsworth, our dedicated parent volunteers, and the community members who brought this celebration to life. Your stories, contributions, and lessons will echo throughout our school, reminding us that every day is an opportunity to honor history, elevate voices, and build a more inclusive future.