On Monday, February 3rd students, teachers, and school administrators at Dawson Elementary kicked off Black History Month activities with a parade inside the school. The parade wound through the halls with the “Freedom Walkers” holding signs expressing togetherness, equality, and thankfulness for accomplishments by African Americans.
Principal Taunya Smith explained this is just the beginning of other activities planned for the month, and that “it is especially important for young people to understand their heritage and why it’s important and significant that we recognize African American accomplishments”.
After the parade, the students continued the kick-off celebration with an assembly, where they learned the history of the state’s oldest African American church, St. Bartley. The church, which is located in Huntsville, was established in 1820 and will be celebrating their 200th anniversary this year.