Baldwin UFSD Honors Black History Month

Throughout February, the Baldwin Union Free School District celebrated the achievements and contributions of African Americans. A variety of events and activities were organized to emphasize the rich cultural heritage and history of the Black community.

Students participated in classroom discussions, presentations, and projects that highlighted influential figures in Black history, including Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Harriet Tubman. Additionally, art exhibits, performances, and literary readings showcased the talent and creativity of Black artists and writers, enhancing the understanding, knowledge, and appreciation of Black culture.

District-Wide Collaboration with the African American History Museum

Baldwin Union Free School District established an exclusive partnership with the African American History Museum of Nassau County, where 129 students from grades K-12 submitted artwork and literary pieces, including poetry, for an exhibit dedicated to Black History Month. The exhibit remained on display throughout February. Baldwin UFSD is proud to be the first and only district to create such a collaboration with the museum. An official opening night ceremony was held to honor the students, their creations, and the exhibit's significance in celebrating Black History Month, where approximately 200 members of the Baldwin community attended. The exhibit was covered by News 12 and the Baldwin Herald.

Baldwin High School

This year, Baldwin High School called on the school community to reflect on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s timeless words: “The time is always right to do what is right.” Inspired by this message, students came together to celebrate Black history, culture, and resilience in powerful and creative ways.​

Senior and photographer Zoe Parkes captured stunning portraits of Baldwin students, transforming our hallways into a visual tribute that elevates student voices and honors their stories. Baldwin High School students Taliya Toussaint Pierre, Zyanah Jasmin, Bella Bordeaux, and Valentina Mba showcased powerful words from prominent Black figures.

In addition, students from the Haitian Heritage Club created a powerful Wall of Black History in the Baldwin High School commons, showcasing important facts and contributions.

Special thanks to Ms. Kelly Iovine, the photography teacher, counselors, Mrs. Meghan Kargman and Ms. Stephanie Pina, as well as Mrs. Johnson.  

View Black History Month exhibits >> 

Baldwin Middle School

Baldwin Middle School honored Black history through artistic expression. Dean Rosemarie Socci organized a special assembly with the help of students and teachers that showcased dance, poetry, and monologues inspired by Black Americans. Now an annual tradition, the event was attended by their peers, grades 6-8. 

With the support of their School2Career advisor, Ms. Courtney Nelson, students from Baldwin Middle School involved in the Bruins News Network (BNN) Pre-Academy program also created a video, highlighting the significance of Black History Month through a series of succinct interviews. The video served as the opening for the assembly.

Additionally, the middle school Dance Expression Pre-Academy performed under the direction of their advisor, Ms. Sheena McCoy, while select students from the Spoken Word Pre-Academy also participated, with the help of their Pre-Academy advisor, Ms. Nia Thompson.

The special assembly also featured performances from the high school choir and step team, along with a guest speaker, Dr. Tanyka Smith from Hofstra University. Overall, the middle school students truly valued this enriching experience.

Elementary Schools' Celebrations and Curricula

Elementary schools throughout the district engaged in various activities and assemblies aimed at celebrating and learning about Black History.

Brookside Elementary School

Brookside displayed their class projects centered on the theme of “Black History” throughout the halls. In additional, the Brookside PTA Founder's Day celebration was focused on Black History Month with several students presented information on the annual celebration and African Americans’ historical contributions.  

Lenox Elementary School

Lenox was excited to host an especially unique Black History Month celebration. The centerpiece the program was a “Career Day” to coincide with the national theme for 2025, “African Americans and Labor.” The program followed the same format as “Joyful Learning Wednesdays,” where students of all ages travel from classroom to classroom to engage in a unique educational experience. This time, students learned about various careers and the significant contributions of Black individuals in those fields. The interactive format aimed to not only inform but to also inspire the next generation by showcasing the diverse career paths available to them.

Meadow Elementary School

In honor of Black History Month, Meadow students explored significant African American figures and their contributions to the United States. Inspirational quotes and bulletin boards featuring both historical and contemporary leaders lined the hallways, bringing history to life for the K-5 students.

At the same time, dedicated faculty members led classroom activities that promoted a deeper understanding and stimulated meaningful discussions related to the special month. One notable example is Meadow fifth-grade teacher, Monique Oden, who arranged for various guest speakers from the African American community to interact with students over Zoom. The speakers included Hershelle Burton, a BET production manager; Calvin Wright, a chef and digital content creator; Shawnelle Scott, a former NBA player, teacher, and basketball coach; and Carlton Brown, co-founder of FUBU. Students utilized the information provided to conduct research and develop questions. During the interviews, the guests answered the students, shared their journeys, and discussed the significance of philanthropy in their lives.

Additionally, the Meadow PTA collaborated with the school to host an engaging assembly dedicated to Black History Month, which featured special guest,  J. Coles Hip Hop Dance Kids. Students learned about the history and influence of hip-hop culture, were entertained by the impressive dance performances, while picking up some new moves of their own alongside the administration and teachers.

Special thanks to the Meadow PTA, Dr. Yolanda Martin, Mrs. Juliana Rashwan, Mrs. Melanie Oden, the Cultural Awareness Committee, the PTA Parent Advisory Committee, teachers, and staff.

Plaza Elementary School

Plaza Elementary School welcomed a performance from Brightstar Theater Company, titled "George Washington Carver & Friends." The K-5 show highlighted the accomplishments of George Washington Carver along with other notable scientists and entrepreneurs. 

Steele Elementary School

This year, Steele Elementary School hosted a Black History Month Talent Show, with the help of the PTA, in the evening so all families could attend. Additionally, Steele second graders in Ms. Nancy Aquino’s class presented on their African-American heroes.