DA Celebrates Changemakers During Black History Month

 

Human excellence is celebrated year-round, and during February, DA turns the spotlight on Black changemakers. 

 

Simply put, a changemaker is someone who advances the common good. Students were encouraged to research, appreciate and share knowledge about Black artists, musicians, scientists, and trailblazers who have changed our world. Below are just a few ways the “changemaker movement” was felt around campus in February.

 

Researching & Reading About Changemakers: 

Elementary students created changemaker posters proudly displayed in High School buildings. Olivia Sawyer chose to highlight Poet Amanda Gorman for her changemaker poster, pictured above. Elementary and 6th Grade students also worked with Librarian Jolene Gutiérrez to read about female African-American changemakers last month and will continue these efforts as we celebrate Women's History Month in March.

 

Middle School and High School SOCA (Students of Color and Allies) sponsored changemaker exhibits in Elementary and Middle School buildings. 

 

Teachers were inspired by Black excellence as well. Mr. Laird’s display outside the Middle School Campos EPC SmartLab celebrates Black scientists, inventors, and history makers. 

 

The Counseling Department, led by Karan Steuart, engaged High School students with presentation and writing workshops featuring Jovan Mays. Jovan Mays is the Emeritus Poet Laureate of Aurora, Colorado; a National Poetry Slam Champion; TED Speaker; the Youth Voice Coordinator of Aurora Public Schools; and Director of Your Writing Counts. Jovan’s inspiring written word performance kicked off two days of workshops. Students found their own voices and were inspired to write from the heart thanks to Mr. Mays’s personable and charismatic instruction.

 

For more information or to contact the JEDI team at DA, email jedi@denveracademy.org.