Black History Month

Honoring Influential African American Women OUR TIME of

Every February, the U.S. honors the contributions and sacrifices of African Americans who have helped shape the nation. Black History Month celebrates the rich cultural heritage, triumphs and adversities that are an indelible part of our country's history. Each year, Gainesville Junior High celebrates Black History Month with a fantastic program, designed specifically with our students in mind. The program is organized by Leisa Boswell and William Hendricks.

her as she completed her education and achieved success.

“I became a police officer because I wanted to affect change within the community by serving on a distinguished platform,” Jones said. “I also wanted to be the first female in my family to serve and to show my female family and community members that women can excel in anything they put their minds to.”

Junior high student speakers Jazlyn Austin Thomas, Jalyse Calhoun, and Zaryah Wilburn each shared profiles of influential women from across the U.S. including inaugural poet Amanda Gorman,

The theme for the program this year was “Honoring Influential African American Women of Our Time” and featured guest speakers, local community leaders, and student performances. The audience of students, staff, and district and community leaders welcomed Lt. Jakisha V. Jones, a 16-year law enforcement veteran and current Lieutenant with the Arlington Police Department. She also serves as the Commander of the Internal Affairs Section. Lt. Jones spoke to students about her personal journey, commenting on the struggles she had to overcome and even the failures she had to put behind entertainers Zendaya and Beyonce Knowles, athletes Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Simone Biles, and Serena Williams, current Vice President Kamala Harris, astronaut Dr. Mae C. Jemison, and former First Lady Michelle Obama.

Be bold like Kamala Harris.

Dream like Serena Williams.

Be a leader like Michelle Obama.

Change your future like Simone Biles.

Reach for the stars like Mae Jemison.

The event also highlighted local community leaders including school board member Leticia Hendricks, Assistant Superintendent LaCreasha Stille, City Council member Carolyn Hendricks, and Kelly Searcy. Desmond Pouncil, a senior at Gainesville High School, sang a solo and the GHS choir performed under the direction of Joanna Ceja. To wrap up the event, GHS students Abigail Cochran and Cadence Hubbard performed a praise dance. "Black History Month is about the lived, shared experience of all African Americans, high and low, famous and obscure, and how those experiences have shaped and challenged and ultimately strengthened America," said Barack Obama.

The celebration of Black History Month is important for our students and our community. When students learn about the positive contributions that African Americans have made to society, education, science, art, law and medicine, they will then share that appreciation and respect with their families and the community in which they live.