GARLAND, TX–February is Black History Month (BHM), a federally recognized time dedicated to celebrating the achievements of African Americans and those in the African diaspora. It is also a time to observe the history of Black people in the United States from slavery to the Civil Rights Movement and the present. 

ILTexas schools honored the month through art, performances, and hallways lined with photos featuring facts about prominent figures in the African American community. Due to weather delays, many ILTexas BHM events were postponed to March, however, students still came together to show their appreciation for the month. 

ILTexas Lancaster K-8 hosted several events honoring the occasion from trivia night to a grand assembly, as well as a BHM pageant where students competed for the grand title of Miss Black Heritage. 

Senta Wilson, principal  at ILTexas Lancaster K-8, helped oversee the her school's BHM events. 

“It is my desire that every student present during the campus' Black History Month celebrations continue to maintain a sense of pride and respect for their history, as well as, the history of others,” she said. 

^{Black History Month 2022 at ILTexas} 

At ILTexas Garland High School, students part of the Black History Month Committee came together to put on a special assembly dedicated to celebrating Black culture and achievements. Titled “Black History: A Struggle Personified,” the event consisted of 16 performances featuring singing, rapping, and spoken word poems where students discussed topics ranging from the history of rap music to breaking down stereotypes about the Black hair. The event also included dance and song tributes to influential Black artists such as Michael Jackson and Beyoncé. 

^{Cadence Banks, President of the Black History Month Committee at ILTexas Garland HS.} 

For Cadence Banks, president of the BHM Committee and a senior at ILTexas GHS, the assembly was a way to express her appreciation of her heritage.

“This assembly has allowed me to take pride in my heritage, my culture, my skin – things that are so stigmatized when it comes to Black people, especially Black women in America,” she said. “That is why I wanted to take on this assembly to learn more about myself and be able to uplift not only me, but also the people that look like me.”

ILTexas Houston-area campuses also held large assemblies honoring the month. Colors of the Pan-African flag were present during many of the celebrations with spoken word performances on the achievements and struggles behind the color of their skin and what their heritage means to them. 

Regina Jones, the Chief Equity Officer at ILTexas who oversees the charter’s diversity and inclusion initiatives, hopes events like those for Black History Month help all students continue to respect and be aware of each other's differences.  

“Black History Month is the opportunity to appreciate and acknowledge the accomplishments and contributions made by Black American change-makers, legends, and unsung heroes,” she said. “My hope for ILTexas students is that their cycle of learning continues to include awareness, positivity and respect for all races and cultures.” 

Click through the slideshow above to see photos from all the ILTexas Black History Month events!