JTHS Celebrates Black History Month with Inspirational Programs

Joliet Township High School commemorated African American
History Month with Read Ins and Black History Celebrations in February.

The Read Ins took place at Central and West on February
27. Students and staff read the works of African American song writers,
poets, authors, and philosophers. The inspirational event was moderated
by Pastor Curtis Bryant of Mt. Zion Church and Pastor Wendell Martin of
Ms. Olive Church.

The celebration continued the next day with artistic Black History celebrations
at Central and West. Students performed music and rap, delivered dance
performances, and told the history of oppression through their creative
channels.

Joliet West’s show titled, “Stand Up: From Struggle Comes
Strength,” opened with a student playing piano while a video depicted the
protest of social injustices happening across America. Nine acts followed that
included songs, rap, and dance performances that addressed the themes of
protest, commonality with the struggles of all minorities, and positive images
of African Americans. During the final act, the auditorium lights dimmed
and students stood in unison as the performers sang “Stand Up” from the Harriet
Tubman movie. Students moved down the aisles with protest signs that
spelled out “stand up,” as the song progressed. The poignant performances
showcased student talent, while delivering historical and inspirational
content.

At Central, the Reverend Dr. Isaac Singleton Award, named
after a Joliet native and Civil Rights pioneer who marched with Dr. King, was
awarded to John Lucas and Erica Holmes. Mr. Lucas is the founder of the
non-profit, Step Into The Light, and is an international
entertainer, actor and hand model who has collaborated with Disney, Bally’s,
Google, and Target. He is a proud Joliet Central High School alumnus from
the Class of 1994. Erica Holmes attended Joliet Central High School and
is an entrepreneur, I.T. specialist, and activist. Known as Ms. Community,
she is a JTHS Bridge Builder, and serves on numerous community
organizations. Ms. Holmes holds a Bachelor’s Degree from
Northwestern University alumnus and a Master’s Degree from Old Dominion
University.

In partnership with the community, Joliet Township High
School is committed to celebrating the diversity of our schools and fulfilling
the words in its diversity statement. The JTHS Diversity Statement was
written by the Strategy 6.2 Family and Community Group which is comprised of
students, parents, community, staff and Board of Education members. It
reads, “Joliet
Township High School District 204 is committed to cultivating an inclusive
community that values and embraces diversity and respects the humanity of all
people.”

Instrumental to the planning of the Read Ins and Black History
Celebrations were teachers Ernest Crim, Cassie Crim, Rodney Coatney,
Marcus Cage, Amy
Walsh, Amy Lingafelter, and Lisa Luangsomkham; Curriculum Director Brian Conant; and
the National Hook Up of Black Women, Inc. Joliet Chapter.

View photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jths204/albums/72157713357210811