Hinsdale District 86 Celebrates Black History Month

Photo: Superintendent Dr. Bruce Law, Deborah Wright-Powell and David Lange at Hinsdale Central’s morning jazz band performance celebrating Black History Month
Submitted by Hinsdale Township High School District 86.

Hinsdale Township High School District 86 celebrated Black History Month with a variety of activities and learning opportunities for students at both Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South High Schools.

At Hinsdale South, Renee James-Kuzniar, a student supervisor and an assistant sponsor of the Urban Arts Club, created a display entitled, “A Woman’s Work,” dedicated to African-American women who helped shape the U.S. The thoughtful and educational collection of photo collages, informational quotes and music was displayed in the art gallery and spilled out onto the walls of the hallway by the cafeteria.

Another big event held at South annually is the Sophomore Diversity Workshop. For the first three periods of the day, students met in small groups with faculty and student facilitators. Then all the sophomores moved into the auditorium to see guest speaker John Morello and a performance by Hinsdale South’s improv troupe, The Unscripted. Mr. Morello’s one-man show involved him playing multiple roles and showing students how different perspectives on the same topic can be very powerful. The Unscripted performed on various topics related to diversity, cliques and stereotypes.

After the auditorium performances, students went back to their small groups and participated in team-building exercises. Diversity Club sponsor and social studies teacher Cherie Kerzee-Stames helped plan the day’s events.

At Hinsdale Central, Deborah Wright-Powell organized several events for students. Earlier in the month, students were invited to share their favorite selections of poetry with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa. A jazz-filled morning ensued led by school band director Matt Kurinsky, followed up by a DJ playing African-American music in the cafeteria for all to enjoy during lunch periods. Special guest TV personality and author of “Life Lessons on Faith, Forgiveness and Grace” Merri Dee spoke to students on Wednesday. The culminating event for the month is the Feb. 27 poster celebration with the theme, “The Road to Success.”

Members of the Hinsdale South improve troupe The Unscripted perform as part of the Sophomore Diversity Workshop

A guest DJ plays African-American music during lunch periods at Central

The Hinsdale Central Jazz Band salutes Black History Month with a special a.m. performance