Lotspeich’s Celebration of Black History Month

In celebration of Black History Month, Lotspeich organized a series of engaging and educational activities across various grade levels, focusing on the rich contributions of Black individuals in literature, art, music, and history.

During their library class, Lotspeich librarian Lori Suffield curated a selection of books by Black authors for students to enjoy. Kindergartners delved into the world of illustration with a study on Christian Robinson. First graders focused on the works of acclaimed author Jerry Pinkney. Third graders explored the vibrant world of jazz through the lens of the book “Trombone Shorty,” broadening their understanding of this influential music genre.

Fourth grade students embarked on a research project, diving deep into the lives of influential figures connected to Black history. Their subjects spanned athletes, inventors, musicians, leaders, and changemakers from various fields.

The culmination of their research was a creative “quilt,” each piece highlighting important information and accomplishments of their chosen figure. These individual pieces were then combined to form a larger class quilt display, inspired by the works of artist Faith Ringgold.

In pre-kindergarten, the young learners read several books and discovered the innovations of Garrett Morgan, a pioneering inventor. Meanwhile, in music class, students were introduced to the rhythmic world of ragtime music, focusing on the legendary composer Scott Joplin.

Through these activities, Lotspeich not only celebrated Black History Month but also fostered a deeper appreciation and understanding of the diverse contributions of Black individuals throughout history.