Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day & Black History Month Celebrations Celebrate Black Culture

This January, the Cate community celebrated the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through conversation, education, and reflection. The day started with a school-wide assembly and performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” led by Black members of the community. A vibrant drum circle featuring performances by Modern Languages Department Chair

Mamadou Pouye and Performing Arts Department Chair John Knecht as well as audience participation from various Cate faculty and students set an energetic tone for the day.

Then, the audience heard from marine archeologist Jewell Humphrey who spoke on finding and loving community. “She was very lively, engaging, and her work inspired me. I've never heard of a marine archeologist before, never mind a Black female archeologist. I also loved how she wove in conversation about Black people and their relationship to water,” shared Noor Harwell '24.

After a lunch break, students attended one of a wide variety of workshops facilitated by faculty on topics like Dr. King and Financial Literacy, 'Viajar' To and From our Community, Biology & Race: The Power of an Illusion, and more.

“We've consistently built a program in support of our MLK Day celebration that has evolved over time to meet the theme of the day, the needs of the School, and the current climate. This year's celebration included faculty-led workshops on varied topics and gave both students and faculty an opportunity to engage in the day in new and meaningful ways, capitalizing on the depth of knowledge and passion that our community can offer. I can't wait to see more of this in the future!” said Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Elana Stone. The day ended with group reflections by advisory.

In February, the community embraced the theme of Rest is Resistance as part of the School’s Black History Month celebration. During assembly, students from the Black Student Union announced the theme and set the tone for the month. The program began with the 9th-grade chorale class singing “Dona Nobis Pacem” and included student and faculty announcements, a “Guess that Song” game featuring Black artists, and a moment of meditation that aligned with the month’s theme. Throughout the month of February, a variety of offerings centered the Black experience and encouraged rest, resistance, and relaxation communitywide. Watch the special extended assembly that kicked off Black History Month here.

Watch the special extended assembly that kicked off Black History Month here.