Harlem Academy Renaissance Day

These incredible leaders weren’t the only ones whose insights were appreciated on Renaissance Day. Several students – tomorrow’s leaders – were recognized for their contributions to our Black History Month middle school writing and art contest, “Leaders of Change: How They Embody Initiative, Integrity, Compassion, and Determination.” Sixth grader Philip’s essay took first place. He delved into the life of historian John Hope Franklin, highlighting how Dr. Franklin’s narrative in From Slavery to Freedom changed the way schools teach history by centering the story of Black Americans. “Even when life was tough for him,” Philip wrote, “he never gave up on his mission to tell the truth about history.” 

Meanwhile, our primary and elementary students eagerly welcomed parents into their classrooms to share what they had been learning. Third graders shared statements about how they plan to make the world a better place, with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech as their inspiration. Second graders decided to turn the tables and quiz their parents about important people in Black history, and fifth graders recited a Black poet’s piece that spoke to them. Thank you to all the teachers who inspired our future history makers to put their best selves forward in both the classroom presentations and the writing contest.