Richland One Schools: Upcoming Black History Month Events
Richland One schools will continue their celebrations of Black History Month through art, theater, dance and some rather untraditional ways as well. Details of upcoming events are listed below.
* C.A. Johnson Preparatory Academy: Guest Artist
Freelance artist and Columbia native Carl Crawford will be at C.A. Johnson Preparatory Academy February 20-23. As a very young child, Crawford was influenced by the signature paintings of Ernie Barnes that were featured on the television show "Good Times." He studied under Larry Lebby, one of Columbia's internationally known artists. Crawford has developed his own style, often using industrial ink on masonite board as a principal medium. He will be teaching C.A. Johnson students one of the methods he uses to create his artwork. The students will create a work of art in the style of the artist.
* John P. Thomas Elementary: Montford Point Marines
On February 22, Fairfield County School Superintendent Dr. Clarence Willie, will share the story of the Montford Point Marines, a little-known group of North Carolina soldiers comparable to the Buffalo Soldiers. Dr. Willie is working on a documentary about the Marines’ exploits. In addition to his presentation, students will perform African dances and recite poetry at this special program which will be held at 6 p.m. in the school cafeteria.
* Keenan High School: Literature Survey
On February 22, Keenan High School will present a survey of African-American literature for its students in a class being taught by Keenan teacher Juanita Wilson at 9:30 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. in the Keenan Theatre.
* Brockman Elementary: Nationally-known artist
Students at Brockman Elementary are in for a special treat. On February 23 children’s book illustrator E.B. Lewis will visit the school and display his artwork. Lewis is one of the most celebrated children’s book illustrators working today. His presentation begins at 8:15 a.m. in the school’s gym.
* Bradley Elementary: African-American Inventors
The lawn mower, fountain pen, pencil sharpener, light bulb filaments, programmable TV remotes…those are just a few of the inventions of African-Americans. What would the world be like without their inventions? That’s the question Bradley Elementary students will ponder on February 23 as they celebrate the contributions of African-American inventors in a special production and skit scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. in the school cafeteria.
* Pine Grove Elementary: "Get on the Bus"
On February 23 Pine Grove Elementary will present "Get on the Bus," a celebration that includes a play, dance, and a step show depicting the Civil Rights Movement. The public is invited to attend this special event which includes performances at 8:15 a.m. and 9:15 a.m. in the school’s multipurpose room. Pine Grove students also will do a special performance of “Get on the Bus” at Sandel Elementary at 1:00 p.m.
* Lower Richland High School: Speakers, African dress and more!
Lower Richland High School has several events planned for students. On February 23 Columbia attorney Malik Whitaker will be the guest speaker at a special assembly. In addition to hearing his motivational message, students will dress like famous African Americans and participate in a Black History Bowl. Assemblies will be held at 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m.
On February 26, retired Army Lt. Col. A.T. "Flip" Garrick will share his life story and experiences at three school assemblies which will be held at 8:30 a.m., 10:15 a.m. and 2 p.m.
On February 28 the Lower Richland Dance Company will perform dances students choreographed based on the photography of Gordon Parks. This event presents a chronicle that begins with dances performed in Africa. The production moves through time to include spirituals and poetry from the Middle Passage of slavery and concludes with modern dance moves. Performances will be held at 8:30 a.m., 10:15 a.m. and 2 p.m.
* Pine Grove Elementary: Sweetgrass basket maker
During the week of February 26, third-grade students at Pine Grove Elementary will have the opportunity to work with artist-in-residence Mary Graham-Grant, a sweetgrass basket maker. Mrs. Graham-Grant has been making coiled, African-style baskets for almost 20 years. Her baskets can be found in arts and crafts shows throughout the state. She will begin the week with an introduction to the Gullah culture and dialect. Students also will learn the history of basketry in South Carolina as well as the local resources that are used. Students will have a chance to create their own sweetgrass baskets.
* Arden Elementary: Live Museum
The spirit of historical figures like Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth get new “life” as Arden Elementary students create a “live” museum of famous African-Americans. On February 28 students dressed in period costumes will talk about the contributions of the historical figure they are portraying. The event begins at 9 a.m. in the school’s multipurpose room.
* Flora High School: Wrought Iron artwork
Art classes at Flora have produced beautiful watercolor paintings based on the work of master blacksmith Philip Simmons. Students designed a wrought iron gate and then incorporated the gate into a scene.
For more information contact the Richland One Office of Communications at 231-7510 or 231-7504.
