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Loyola Honors 2023 Black History Month
During the month of February, Loyola Academy students had the opportunity to explore and celebrate the contributions of Black Americans to our country and our community. Through powerful displays and reflective activities, Ramblers were encouraged to pause and consider the impact and influence of Black history.
Loyola’s African American Youth Group (AAYG) released a series of newsletters with insight and inspiration from a variety of fields: “The History of Black Queer in America” (presented with Alliance), "Black Artists,” and “Black Excellence in Women” (presented with Women Leaders of Loyola).
The cafeteria featured a special menu to pay tribute to the culinary traditions of Black culture across the globe. To celebrate and educate, students from AAYG chose a different meal to serve in the cafeteria each week. “A lot of thought and care went into how to make sure we weren’t perpetuating stereotypes with the food selections,” read a statement over the daily announcements at the beginning of February. “Our hope is to tell a story of the rich history behind these food items. Many of these stories dive deep into heritage beloved by a variety of cultures displaced during the African diaspora.” Signage near ordering stations educated Ramblers about the history and significance of each dish: Jamaican jerk chicken, gumbo with rice, fried chicken, macaroni & cheese, and collard greens & loaded fries.
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The cafeteria featured a special menu to pay tribute to the culinary traditions of Black culture across the globe. To celebrate and educate, students from AAYG chose a different meal to serve in the cafeteria each week. “A lot of thought and care went into how to make sure we weren’t perpetuating stereotypes with the food selections,” read a statement over the daily announcements at the beginning of February. “Our hope is to tell a story of the rich history behind these food items. Many of these stories dive deep into heritage beloved by a variety of cultures displaced during the African diaspora.” Signage near ordering stations educated Ramblers about the history and significance of each dish: Jamaican jerk chicken, gumbo with rice, fried chicken, macaroni & cheese, and collard greens & loaded fries.
On select days during the passing period before the daily announcements, students enjoyed music from influential Black artists such as the Temptations (“My Girl”), Burna Boy (“Alone”), Rihanna (“Lift Me Up”) Abraham Afewerki (“Aygodelen”), Eritrean jazz, and John Legend and Common (“Glory”).
Powerful displays of art and messaging throughout the school served as constant reminders of the month’s meaning and significance. In the main hallway, Student Council hung up flags from African and Central American countries, like Jamaica and the Dominican Republic, and departments and clubs had the chance to decorate classroom doors. Flex time activities, such as Hip Hop Just Dance, Double Dutch, and viewing episodes of Netflix’s “High on the Hog,” provided opportunities for connection and education.
On Friday, February 24, students from AAYG attended the 45th annual Archdiocese of Chicago African American Heritage Prayer Service at Holy Name Cathedral. Notably, Assistant Principal for Student Services Mrs. Terri S. Jackson and senior Yvette Mensah were presented with leadership awards.
A very special thank you to Director of Student Activities Ms. Melissa Krein and African American Youth Group (AAYG) members Amal Diabor ’23, Bontu Chabis ’23, and Senit Gebrehewit ’24 whose vision for Black History Month 2023 brought many opportunities for meaningful engagement and reflection to the Loyola community.
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