2 Newark Stories You May Have Missed For Black History Month

NEWARK, NJ — Newark’s schools each celebrated Black History Month in unique ways last month, and it was no exception at KIPP Truth Academy and Speedway Avenue School.

‘I AM’

Who are you? What defines you? How do you see yourself? How do you want others to see you? These were some of the important questions KIPP Truth Academy elementary schoolers explored in their latest art project celebrating the close of Black History Month in February.

According to a news release from the school:

“'I am' is an identity-focused project that reflects not only the way these children view themselves, but also illustrates how they want others to view them. These students learned that despite having physical and cultural differences, we can find some commonalities through art.”

READ ALOUD EVENT

Columbia Bank celebrated Black History Month by hosting a Read-Aloud for Newark students at Speedway Avenue School on South Orange Avenue.

According to a news release, the bank’s volunteer program, Team Columbia, and its Black Employee Resource Group, partnered with Newark Bronze Shields, the African-American police officers association within the Newark Police Department to hold the event.

The volunteers read to students from “The 1619 Project – We Were Born On the Water,” and each child was gifted a copy of the book, donated by Columbia Bank Foundation.

The purpose of the initiative was to promote literacy, commemorate Black History Month, and enhance public education by increasing community volunteerism in the school.

“The Newark Bronze Shields is thankful for its partnership with Columbia Bank Foundation,” said Idell Robinson, president of Newark Bronze Shields.

“I believe both organizations share an aligned vision around education and the importance of literacy,” Robinson said.

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