Sewickley Academy Wraps Up Black History Month With a Visit from Greg Forbes Siegman

In honor of Black History Month, will not only celebrate African-Americans’ pathway to freedom and contributions to society, but also diversity as a whole. 

The academy will wrap up its month-long celebration with a visit Thursday from Greg Forbes Siegman, the real-life educator upon whom the book, "The First Thirty," is based.  The book tells the story of one person's attempts to bring people of various  backgrounds together.

 The book, written by Jillip N. Paxson, is studied by students and employees from various companies and organizations to give them a different perspective on race, age, culture and religion.  "The First Thirty" became the 2007 Multicultural Book of the Year by the Northeast Student Diversity Leadership Conference (NSDLC).

“Greg was chosen as a speaker because he has actively engaged others in his hometown of Chicago and across the country to bring people together as an inclusive society that appreciates the uniqueness of each individual, not only in the class, but in the community,” said Jeremiah Jackson, director of diversity at Sewickley Academy.

Siegman shared his game plan for the assembly and talked about how he will engage the students.  

"The plan is for the assembly to be interactive -- giving the students a chance to answer and ask questions at different times. So, hopefully, it will not just be a monologue that wraps up Black History Month, but instead a dialogue that is just one small part of the long, ongoing conversation about diversity that takes place at Sewickley Academy throughout the year."

Seigman plans to share his personal story, reflect on some of those from Black History who have shaped his life and the lives of many others, and discuss the “idea that we can learn a lot outside the classroom when we actively seek out those who may have different backgrounds and different perspectives."

In addition to speaking, Siegman will visit classrooms to further discuss the issues brought up during the assembly.  He will also display part of one of his art collections, “My Sleepless Nights,” which features portraits of historical, current, and cinematic figures who inspire others to serve and lead. 

 “It is our hope that the conversation with Greg will inspire SA students to actively seek out different perspectives in and out of the classroom to better understand others and themselves,” Jackson said.

Along with Siegman’s presentation, eighth-graders are also giving presentations in February about  cultural contributions African Americans made during the Civil War, which is the theme of Black History Month at Sewickley Academy this year.  Fourth- and fifth-graders will be able to see and learn from these projects, said Jackson.

The school’s faculty and staff hope that these and other programs and activities during Black History Month will allow students “maximize their growth and learning,” Jackson said.