Ceremony leaders, Sheridan Miller (6th grade), Kai Morgan (7th grade) and Ethan Braziel (8th grade). *Not pictured in order. Photo: Allison M. Slocum, APS ©
On February 13, David T. Howard Middle School embraced the spirit of Black History Month with an impactful African American History Program, engaging students in a celebration of influential Atlantans who have made major contributions to the city and beyond.
What began as an assignment in social studies class where students explored different aspects of Atlanta’s history, transformed into an informative event showcasing achievements in education, business, entertainment, and athletics. The program featured captivating performances and insightful presentations by students and staff.
“We have been working with our students in their social studies classes to study different aspects of history as it relates to the city of Atlanta,” Tekeshia Hollis, principal at David T. Howard Middle School, said. “We wanted to expose our students to the history, and then the students presented [that history] based on who did the best in their grade levels.”
Howard Middle School student presenters and program participants with the director of academics and school clubs, Terrance Maeberry. Photo: Allison M. Slocum, APS ©
Embarking on an imaginative “midnight train to Georgia” ceremony leaders, Sheridan Miller (6th grade), Kai Morgan (7th grade) and Ethan Braziel (8th grade), guided students along various “stops” to visit notable Atlantans through a lively program written by Terrance Maeberry, Howard Middle School eighth grade staff support person and director of academics and school clubs.
Outstanding individuals, like tech entrepreneur Jewel Burks Solomon, trumpeter and flugelhornist Milkshake Mayfield, and business trailblazer Tonya Hicks, were highlighted, as well as local artist Sway Jones, who designed a vibrant mural at Howard Middle School in collaboration with the non-profit organization Paint Love.
The David T. Howard Middle School Havoc Dance Team and faculty chorus. Photo: Allison M. Slocum, APS ©
Accompanying the presentations were performances by the Howard Middle School faculty chorus who sang the Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” and the Howard Havoc Dance Team, under the direction of Simone Poindexter, who rendered a spirited dance routine.
Notable Howard Middle School alumna like Mildred “Millie” Louise McDaniel-Singleton, an Olympic athlete, were acknowledged and students were encouraged to use the determination and focus of those highlighted as inspiration to become the next generation of leaders.
Howard Middle School esteemed Class of 1967 alumnus, Dr. Stanley Pritchett, added a touch of tradition to the program, sharing words of wisdom with the students and reminding them of the unique and rich legacy they are a part of.
“History will tell you that there are a lot of schools in the city of Atlanta and there is a lot of land that those schools are on,” Dr. Pritchett said. “But I dare you to ask anyone if there is a piece of property located in the city of Atlanta that was donated by the namesake. David T. Howard has that distinction because David T. Howard, the man, donated the land for the building of this school 100 years ago. That’s worthy of an applause.”
In keeping with their theme of excellence, David T. Howard Middle School celebrated its Centennial on February 16 and plans to host an International Heritage Day in April, leaning into the school’s unique positioning in the center of Atlanta and in acknowledgement of the diverse cultures represented within the school body.
Enjoy the below slideshow of photos from the African American History Program. View online here. Photos: Allison M. Slocum, APS ©
Also, check out the video recap below from the African American History Program. APS ©