DESOTO ISD CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH WITH PROGRAMS

February is Black History Month – a federally recognized, nationwide celebration that provides the opportunity for all Americans to reflect on the
significant roles that African-Americans have played in the shaping of U.S. history.

To recall and celebrate the positive contributions to our nation made by people of African descent, American historian Carter G. Woodson established Black History Week. The first celebration occurred February 12, 1926. For many years, the second week of February was set aside for this celebration to coincide with the birthdays of Black abolitionist/editor Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. In 1976, as part of the nation’s bicentennial, the week was expanded into Black History Month.

Students across DeSoto ISD will be celebrating the contributions and accomplishments of African-Americans throughout the month. Schools are celebrating all month long with Black History projects, important facts, classroom studies, research assignments and school announcements.

Here are some of the major activities planned for the month.

Sun., Feb. 15, 4 p.m.
DeSoto High School A Cappella Choir – at Concerned DeSoto Citizens Gospel Fest at Faith Bible Church, tickets $10

Th., Feb. 17, 6 p.m.
Freshman Campus – African- American History Celebration, at DeSoto High School

Fri., Feb. 20, 9 a.m.
Moates Elementary – African American Read In, literature of African American authors

Tues., Feb. 24, 1 p.m.
McCowan Middle School – Tribute from the Past, Present and Future; historic African American figures

Tues., Feb. 24, 6:30 p.m.
Moates Elementary – Musical production by students with dance, drama, visual arts

Wed., Feb. 25, 6 p.m.
Northside Elementary – Student production of musical performers from the 1980s; at DeSoto High School

Th., Feb. 26, 6 p.m.
East Middle School – Traveling thru Time: music, education,

Fri., Feb. 27, 9 a.m.
dance; 6-7th grade at 9 a.m.; 8th grade at 10:30 a.m. on Friday

Th., Feb. 26, 6 p.m.
DeSoto High School – Dance department presents 1st annual Black History Dance Showcase

Th., Feb. 26, 7 p.m.
Woodridge Elementary – A Century of Black Life and Culture

Fri., Feb. 27, 9 a.m.
NYC Choreographer Daryl Richardson – Dance Workshop will cover six disciplinesof dance; sponsored by DeSoto Arts Commission; at Woodridge Elementary

Fri., Feb. 27, 1:30 p.m.
NYC Choreographer Daryl Richardson – Dance Workshop will cover six discipline of dance; sponsored by DeSoto Arts Commission; at DeSoto
High School

Fri., Feb. 27, 2 p.m.
Amber Terrace Elementary – Oratorical Competition and Musical Performance; Timeline of black historical people and events

Fri., Feb. 27, 6:30 p.m.
West Middle School – Music, dance and readings

Fri., Feb. 27, 7 p.m.
Dallas Black Dance Theater performance with an opening by the DHS A Cappella Choir sponsored by DeSoto Arts Commission; pre-sell tickets $10