Fifth-grade students at Brentwood Elementary School of the Arts ended Black History Month by hosting their own Black History Living Museum.
Under the direction of teachers Mrs. Rowan-Thomas, Mrs. White, Mrs. Tomko and Mrs. Hill, students were asked to choose a famous African American who has made an impact on society, and then were required to write a report, create a poster and prepare a one-minute monologue for their character.
Some of the figures studied included Ella Fitzgerald, James Weldon Johnson, Venus and Serena Williams, Alvin Ailey and Thurgood Marshall.
The living museum was divided into different sections, such as fine arts (dancers, musicians, and actors/actresses), writers/educators, sports figures, scientist/inventors and politicians. Students were dressed in costume, and made their characters come alive when their special buttons were pressed.
"Brentwood Elementary is an arts school, and we believe in infusing the arts into our curriculum and classrooms," said Regina Rowan-Thomas. "During the museum, students were very creative with their acting and really became the individuals they were portraying."
For instance, student Aaliyah Belton was Ella Fitzgerald and sang A-Tisket, A-Tasket, while another student, Joi Green, who portrayed Etta James, sang At Last for spectators.
After the museum, the school voted on winners who received medals and a celebration lunch. The first-place winner was Derron Reid; the second-place winners were Carolyn Caicedo and Mercedes William, and Jimmy Battles and Tyrone Kirksey took third place.
According to Rowan-Thomas, the museum was a huge success for everyone who participated and was able to visit. At the request of parents, teachers and community members, Brentwood Elementary students will be hosting one again next year.
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