District 88 celebrates African American History Month

CLICK HERE

to view District 88's Black History Month site, which includes:

  • A calendar of events
  • Resources (including books and multimedia)
  • Contributions in music and art
  • Contributions in science and technology

District 88 is proud to have a diverse school community – the district has about 40 languages and more than 30 countries represented among its families, and almost half of the nearly 4,000 students at District 88 speak a language other than English at home. District 88’s core values include ensuring all students, staff and community members feel safe, valued, respected and welcome. As part of this effort, the district continues to enhance its focus on equity and culturally responsive and trauma-informed teaching to meet the needs of all its students.

Each February, District 88 hosts events/activities to recognize African American History Month. Despite being in a remote environment this year because of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Addison Trail and Willowbrook have partnered to offer many opportunities for our students, staff and community members to celebrate this important month.

The student members of Addison Trail’s Black Student Union (BSU) and Willowbrook’s Black Organization for Student Success (B.O.S.S.) worked with staff advisers to plan and provide a robust and exciting month full of learning activities, including professional development for staff, film and book studies, in-school field trips and an evening parent series.

  • The month began with a Black Parent Night on Feb. 4 to learn about B.O.S.S. and to discuss the importance of servicing the community (pictured above).

  • On Feb. 10, the group hosted a second Black Parent Night, entitled “Starting for Self: Entrepreneurship & Your Future.” This family event discussed business ownership and establishing a brand. Mike and Kay Sanders (pictured above, second from left in the second row), owners of DOPE Training, shared their personal journey and spoke about the benefits and challenges of owning a business. They also offered advice and tips on how to start a business, how to develop and maintain clientele and how to market/promote a brand. DOPE Training (which is an acronym for Determination, Optimism, Perseverance and Empowerment) is a private personal training studio that specializes in weight loss, health coaching, strength and conditioning and nutrition guidance. For more information, go to http://dopetraining.com.

  • On Feb. 18, the group hosted a third Black Parent Night, entitled “Grabbing The Brass Ring.” During this family event, Dell Technologies Account Executive Akari Muhisani (pictured above at left and at third from left in the top row) discussed financial literacy, generational wealth, investing in the stock market and investing in your future. CLICK HERE to read more about Muhisani.

  • On Feb. 25, the group will host a fourth Black Parent Night, entitled “Higher Learning.” This family event will discuss the education system, the importance of representation and the benefits of higher education for African Americans. The presentation will begin at 7 p.m. online at https://tinyurl.com/w03mh1es.

The Addison Trail and Willowbrook Library Media Centers also worked with staff and students to create a Black History Month site at https://dupage88.libguides.com/BlackHistoryMonth2021, which includes:

  • A calendar of events for the month

  • Resources (including books and multimedia)

  • Contributions in music and art

  • Contributions in science and technology

Addison Trail and Willowbrook also hosted/will host the following internal events for students and staff:

  • Spirit wear days on Feb. 2 and 3

  • Watching and discussing the movie “Soul” (pictured above)

More information about African American History Month can be found at https://africanamericanhistorymonth.gov.