We have planned some exciting activities for Black History Month! All events and activities will focus on Frederick Douglass and how his legacy reflects…wait for it…the Walker Way, specifically, the pillars of courage and community. It is important to note that Douglass was a contemporary of Maggie Walker and served as a personal inspiration to her.
Wednesday, February 12th, Forum, Lunchtime Lecture–John Piersol will discuss via Zoom his Taylor Teaching Award travels abroad in England, Scotland, and Ireland to sites that represent the journey of Douglass as an abolitionist. During this time, Douglass, a renowned orator, and a celebrity in his own right, gained a deeper understanding of the struggle for equality across the globe. With courage and conviction, he challenged and joined forces with international activists who championed religious freedom and who sought to break the social hierarchy that chained the lower class to abject poverty. What he witnessed influenced young Douglass and his humanitarian efforts for the rest of his life.
Thursday, February 13th, Library, Lunchtime Open Mic–The brilliant words and brave actions of Frederick Douglass continue to shape the ways that we think about identity, equality, and freedom. Douglass, a wielder of words, stated, “Once you learn to read, you will forever be free.” Thus, we are inviting students to read original poetry and prose or a selected piece by a famous author that highlights themes of courage, freedom, identity, and/or voice. During this session, we will have a drawing for books by Douglass, and heart-shaped Krispy Kreme donuts will be served. Faculty and students are invited!
Friday, February 14th, Library, 11:45 AM-3:15 PM, Douglass Day Transcribe-a-thon–Because Douglass was born into slavery and had no record of his birthdate, he designated Valentine’s Day as his birthday. Over two hundred years later, people across the globe celebrate this date as International Douglass Day. (If the heart represents courage, Douglass, with his lion’s mane and indomitable will, certainly had it.) Last year, the MLWGS Library participated in the transcribe-a-thon for the first time. This year, Wendy will again host a drop-in transcribe-a-thon – interspersed with portions of the live broadcast. This activity is open to all students during lunch and to study hall students during the afternoon blocks. In addition, our school’s Baking Club (sponsor, Madame Paturel) may enter the Douglass Day cake bake-off.
A special thanks to NaKita Lee, John Piersol, Wendy DeGroat, and Joy Cobb for their contributions!
