Downers Grove North Celebrated Black History Month Daily

The following is a press release from District 99.

North High School in Downers Grove celebrated Black History Month throughout the month of February with daily reminders of African American contributions to history as well as two student assemblies.

The Black History Month committee, consisting of 25 students, created brief morning announcements and signs that highlighted accomplishments made by African Americans in the various departments in the school, including the science, math, physical education, career and technical education, and English and communications departments. In addition, music from a variety of genres, including ancient African, hip hop, jazz and blues, was played during each passing period throughout the month.

On February 17, 2011, performer Dyryl Burnett visited the school to give a presentation on the history of hip hop and how the dance style is deeply connected to the ancestral culture of Africa. Dyryl told students that in order to be successful in any area of life they must first study those who have gone before them.  He also shared that in order to be successful in the music industry you must focus on reading and writing as a part of the creative process. 

In addition, a dance troupe from Urban Gateways, Center for Arts Education in Chicago, performed on Friday, February 18, 2011.

The group educated students about the history of West Africa through music, dance and theatre. Their performance, “The Largest African Empire Revealed,” featured the culture of the Manding Empire (1235-1468)--the largest in African history.  The performers from Urban Gateways told students that most cultures are more similar than different and that as citizens in this global society, we should focus more on our similarities. The performance included audience participation, and students chanted and danced along with the performers. Today, Mande-speaking descendants span a number of countries in French West Africa, including Mali, Guinea, Gambia, Senegal, Burkina, Faso, Guinea Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

“Both Dyryl and Urban Gateways gave us superb presentations about Africa and African American history and culture,” says Social Studies Department Chair Jill Rose. “The Black History Month committee helped the entire school to see the connection between Black History month and each one of our departments, and all of us--staff and students alike—had the opportunity to learn so much.”