The students attending the pre-GED class at Children & Family Services celebrated Black History month by learning about the contributions African- Americans have made to American society throughout history.
“Our objective is to teach the students the appreciative value of the contributions African-American men and women have made and the struggle that was involved,” said teacher Jean Gills.
To help them learn about the month, teacher Jean Gills gave her students a90-question handout as an assignment. The students were allowed to research such questions as, name the year Congress passed the Civil Rights Act and who escaped slavery in Maryland in 1849 to become the conductor of the Underground Railroad, using a variety of means to find the correct answers.
When the students finished their assignments they were treated to a soul food luncheon on Thursday, Feb. 25 featuring fried chicken, collard greens, and macaroni and cheese. Johnetta Stanford was surprised as she was awarded a $50 gift certificate for having the most correct answers for the assignment. Samantha Owens received the runner-up certificate.
“Every month we celebrate Black History month because we celebrate us,” Gills told her students. “Because once you know who you are, you feel good about who you are. We are descendants of African heritage and we are proud of that.
Assistant Lekendrick Lee was also proud of the students’ efforts and praised their efforts as he handed out their certificates.
“We appreciate you all for taking the initiative to believe in yourself and for taking the step to do anything you set your mind to,” said Lee. “Ms. Gill allowed us to do research on these pioneers who came before us and who made things better for us as African Americans. Never stop learning – it’s not about how much you know but how much you’ve learned.”
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