Cascade Elementary Celebrates ‘Melanin Magic’ in Black History Month Program

From politics to innovation to arts, African-Americans have made major contributions in history. On Friday, Feb. 26, Cascade Elementary School celebrated those contributions in a virtual Black History Month event called “Melanin Magic.”

The student-led program featured segments pre-recorded on Zoom and in the school building.

Through a collage of photos and a voice over, third-grade students paid tribute to African-American politicians, including Maynard Jackson, Barack Obama, Stacey Abrams, Raphael Warnock, and Kamala Harris.

Cascade fourth graders honored African-American literature through read-a-loud snippets of books written by Black authors, including Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold, Sulwe by Lupita Nyong’o, Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes, and Daddy Calls Me Man by Angela Johnson. All books are available at the school’s media center.

The virtual program also featured a first-grade read-a-loud with reenactments that paid tribute to African-American inventors, including John Lee Love (hand cranked pencil sharpener), Frederick McKinley Jones (refrigeration system), and Alice H. Parker (hearting furnace).

“I really love how we focused on all aspects of our heritage,” said Principal Tiffany Momon in her closing remarks to students and families. “This was a wonderful way to end our month.”