RIGHT: Students sign to “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” FAR RIGHT: Laila Forde reads a Black history poem.
“I Know Who I Am” LLAE Celebrates Black History Month
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s you grow up, there may be people who want to tell you who you are, who you can and can’t be,” Andrea King, communications director for Southeastern California Conference, told the 640 students of Loma Linda Academy Elementary (LLAE). “And my advice today is: Don’t believe them. They may not know the wonderful things that God wants to do in and through you. In part, that’s what Black History Month is all about.” Each Tuesday in February, LLAE celebrated Black History Month through assemblies crafted by Black parents, pastors, and faculty members in partnership with Loma Linda Academy campus ministries. Together, they selected the theme “I Know Who I Am: A Journey of Identity” to shape the experience for the campus. This theme was expressed through student features, expressive movement, music, poetry, literature, and powerful speakers. Dilys Brooks, a chaplain at Loma Linda University (LLU), opened the month by exploring the theme “I Know Where I’m From,” emphasizing that Black students’ origins did not begin with enslavement; rather, they are children of their countries of origin and, most importantly, children of God. “You are fearfully and wonderfully made,” Brooks reminded the students. “You are made in God’s image and likeness. Jesus went on the cross and died for YOU.” DP Harris, LLU vice president for information services, spoke on the theme “I Know Where I Am.” “
54 Pacific Union Recorder
Southeastern California Conference
He reflected on his experience living in a diverse, multicultural world. “God has promised to take us from a world where everyone is different to heaven, where everyone will still be different!” Harris reminded the students. “Our differences matter. Enjoy your differences and learn from each other’s differences.” Along with celebrating through story, song, and expressive movement, Black students also delivered poetry each week written by Jeremiah Green, pastor and Black History Month committee member. Green closed off the month with the theme “I Know Where I’m Going.” “In that city, there are going to be people who are different colors and cultures and races,” he said. “There will be people living together as brothers and sisters. That place is heaven!” “The speakers reminded us how different we are, but also how much we are alike,” said fourth-grader Savanah Kalrud. “I feel like it made us more united. I’m excited for next year’s Black History Month celebration!” To families who are navigating the complexities of today’s diverse world, Brooks had this advice: “Learn. Read. Become uncomfortable. Make sure all people know that, despite how human beings have treated them, God knows them and loves them.” ____________________ By Samantha Angeles Peralta
