Lutheran schools are vibrant, diverse learning communities thriving in a Christ-centered environment where Christ’s love and mercy abounds. During the month of February, LCMS schools throughout the Missouri District are celebrating in our diversity and commonality as they celebrate Black History Month.
During this time of celebration Lutheran schools are crafting engaging, interactive programming to honor, celebrate, teach and learn about specifically about Black History.
Lutheran North High School
Throughout February, Lutheran High School North in St. Louis added a Black History fact each day. At the end of the month, they hosted a trivia night based on these facts. In addition to the daily facts, Lutheran North hosted weekly poetry slams and spaces for other performances. Students were taught
to express themselves about topics such as racial tension, with Christ in their midst. The Lutheran North staff organized community speakers, including Shirley Washington from a local news channel.
To conclude the month-long learning opportunity, Lutheran North holds an annual Black History EXPO. Each year, the students come up with a theme. This year’s theme was, it’s TELEVISED, which stems from a student-written skit about social media and African American culture today. Outside of the script, there’s a fashion show, step-team performances, and other performances to highlight Black history including the Gospel choir and praise dance team performing during Chapel.
Word of Life Lutheran School in South St. Louis held a school-wide assembly, in which every class contributed through music, media presentations, poetry, guest speakers and even enjoying homemade desserts. James Davis, a Seventh grader at Word of Life, was introduced to the work of renowned African American poet and author Maya Angelou. He’d heard of her before, through a few podcasts and documentaries, but this was his first experience studying her words in-depth.
Word of Life
James’ favorite part of Word of Life’s Black History Month assembly was listening to the spirituals. He says, “The assembly showed how as Black people, we can be inspired to do anything we put our minds to. We can try our hardest and become legends. Even if we have physical disabilities, we can be athletes.”
Lutheran schools continue to provide educational excellence and amazing learning opportunities in a Christ-centered environment. You can learn more about the advantages of Lutheran education here.
To support scholarships for students in our schools, in colleges pursing church work vocations, or in seminary, contact Leah Sieveking at leah.sieveking@mo.lcms.org or (314) 590-6211.