During February, the entire West Jefferson High School family celebrates the contributions of noted African Americans to our society. The West Jefferson High School Library sponsored events and programs to note African American History Month. Mrs. Idella Washington, retired Library Media Specialist and Past President of the Louisiana Library Association and the Lousiana Association of School Librarians, was on hand to facilitate and organize these important events. Mrs. Washington has served on various national committees and in varied appointments that support education and literacy. She offered her expertise to make the events and celebrations the best the library has ever offered.
There was a daily trivia challenge that appeared online where the students had to find the answers to the question which was read over the school’s PA system and which appeared on the school’s website. Students received small treats for the correct answer and had their names placed in a grand prize drawing that took place on February 28, 2019. Ms. Faith Brown was the winner of the contest.
There was a power point presentation of historical figures that was presented on Monday, February 18, 2019. Students enjoyed the presentation at their lunch.
On Tuesday, February 19, 2019, Mrs. Norris’s classes participated in a African American film festival where they watched part of the movie “Hidden Figures” and participated in a class discussion. Mrs. Garcia’s class watched ” The Ruby Bridges Story” as a precursor to their unit on Civil Rights on February 20, 2019.
On Wednesday, for the first time, the library hosted the African American History and Cultural Arts Exhibit. Mrs. Washington secured artifacts and reading materials for the exhibit. She had Mrs. Luester Blair and Mrs. Rhonda Clofer to loan us their precious African and Cultural artifacts to display. Mrs. Clofer was on hand to guide the students and answer any questions they may have asked about the artifacts on display. Mrs. Washington’s albums were a part of the collection as students listened to songs from artists such as Billie Holiday, Stevie Wonder and James Brown. They were played on a phonograph on loan from former Thomas Jefferson student and current Loyola student, Ms. Symone Killbrew. Dr. Velazquez donated her powerful posters on diversity and inclusion to the event as well.
Mrs. Blanche and her Jobs for America’s Graduates students were on hand to help set up the event. JAG student, Ms. Dynastie Cheneau, took pictures to chronicle the event that are appearing in this post. Many thanks goes to the teachers who brought in their students to see the exhibit. The teachers include: Coach Hunt, Mr. Thomas, Mrs. Catchings, Mrs. Bailey, Ms. Trim, Ms. Blanche, Ms. Helmcke, Mr. Winins, Dr. Velazquez, Coach Smith, and Mr. Albert. Overall, including students who visited at their lunch block voluntarily, almost 3oo students visited the exhibit. They asked questions, took pictures and were enlightened by the many books, artifacts and other items of note. Thanks goes to Ms. Norris for allowing her hard working students to help dismantle the display and reassemble the library’s furniture and books.
The activities extended into the next week with a African American History Bingo on Monday, February 25th and a Contemporary Figures power point presentation presented by the school’s book club at lunch.
Enlightening, exciting, informative and educational are just some words used to describe the activities sponsored by the library in honor of African American History Month. Everyone is looking forward to next year’s events with great anticipation.
