Black History Comes Alive at Woodridge

Shalita Patterson as Sojourner Truth, Dominick Sullivan as Willie Thrower and Jahlyila Flores as Billie Holiday. 

Courtney Lyles as Henrietta Lacks, Logan Evans as Serena Williams and Jaslene Barnes as Shirley Chisholm.

5th grade scholars were placed in groups and rotated between African American icons to learn more about them.

Students wrote and memorized a speech about their icon and delivered it to each group that visited them.

Story by Jaslene Barnes. Photos courtesy of Aliya Grooms. 

MAR. 12, 2020: On Friday, February 28, 5th and 6th grade scholars at Woodridge International School held their first ever Black History Wax Museum. Students who volunteered to participate had to choose an African American icon, wrote a speech about their lives and accomplishments, memorized and finally performed it, in character, for their peers. This means scholars also had to dress up as, and act like, their icon.

Sixth grader Jahliyla Flores, who participated as Billie Holiday, enjoyed the experience but said there were some challenges. “It was hard to perform the first time because I was nervous, couldn’t remember my speech and basically had a brain fart.” She thinks that for next year’s Wax Museum, audience members shouldn't talk during the speeches, because they ask questions that presenters may not be able to answer. “I think people enjoyed my speech because I also added a song to it,” she says. “It was a fun experience because I got to dress up as Billie Holiday and learned more about my history and culture. Every school should do this!” 

As a Wax Museum participant, I think it was overall a fun experience, but if you want to participate as an icon, you have to be very prepared. Even though being a part of it is hard, it is a good learning experience. Activities like this help you learn about your culture in a more hands on and fun way.

Jaslene Barnes is a 5th grade scholar at Friendship Woodridge International School.