Maryville celebrates Black History Month
Maryville participates in the national celebration of Black History Month with four programs: the Jovenes Adelante Program (Youth Moving Forward), Casa Salama Home, Saint Mary of Celle, and Saint Dominic Savio.
The Jovenes Adelante Program kicked off the celebration last week with a video teaching the boys and girls in the program about the lives and historical accomplishments of African Americans. They are taught the history of slavery and its abolition, civil rights movements, historical figures, music and art from the civil rights era.
“It is important for the children to learn and become familiar with our history because we live in a diverse culture and part of the culture is making sure to recognize all the groups that make up our society,” said Elizabeth Lopez-Plant, lead teacher at The Learning Center on the Des Plaines campus.
“They also become familiar with the traditions and customs in the United States, allowing them to assimilate into the school systems successfully. The children participated in art classes and made wonderful pieces highlighting historical figures,” Plant added.
The Casa Salama Home staff launched the series, Brave Black Women: Shaping the United States of America this week. “This series highlights the remarkable women who played a significant role in shaping the nation,” said Sabrina Gaston, program director. “The girls gained insight into the tireless pursuit of justice and equality for all while participating in weekly discussions and presentations this month.”
The staff taught the girls about the all-female, all-black Women’s Army Corps battalion during WWII. They watched a video highlighting the battalion’s story, including an interview with one of the six remaining members of the 855-woman battalion. The girls and staff also enjoyed cupcakes from Brown Sugar, a black-owned bakery in Chicago. The staff and clients also graciously made cards of gratitude for active-duty soldiers.
Saint Mary of Celle will share their presentation next week while Saint Dominic Savio will close out the monthlong celebration on the last week of February.
