Students at Helen C. Peirce School of International Studies in Chicago created a variety of art pieces ranging from short documentaries to live action role playing as they hosted an interactive art gallery to highlight Black History Month.
“We asked teachers about our theme which is ‘How does culture and identity influence who we are?’ and to think about representation, identity, diversity in the Peirce community. The teachers take that theme and they apply it to their curriculum so that it’s culturally relevant,” said Samuel Lee, Vice Principal at Helen C. Peirce.
The annual gallery walk focused on culturally-relevant capstone activities following lessons about African American history makers. One exhibit had students role playing as Black icons in history, and asked the audience to “press play” to begin the performance.
“It’s very interesting to see that they're not just memorizing but they’re really learning about what these people did with their lives and how they used their platform to help advance other people in need,” said Miguel Ramirez, father of a second grade student.
Parents and other community members received passports allowing them to travel the pre-K through eighth grade classrooms, observing presentations and hearing students talk about their projects.
“It’s a good opportunity for parents to come and see what their students are learning and showcase all of our hard work to the entire community,” said Patrick Meallet, the seventh grade social studies teacher.
Meallet helped his students create a short documentary highlighting critical race theory ideology.
“There’s a lot of misconceptions, but essentially it’s a historical study of systemic racism,” said Meallet.
Meallet said the art showcase highlights the importance for students to learn about African American history, emphasizing that is all of our history as Americans.
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