Mandela scholars concluded a week of reflection on identity, learning about historically significant African Americans, and discussing the Black Lives Matter movement with an advocacy event. On Friday, October 30, 2020 scholars gathered on the soccer field, with posters and Black Lives Matter t-shirts. They walked while listening to music by Black artists, many chanting, “Black Lives Matter”. Families and community members were invited to join the event via Facebook live at https://www.facebook.com/NelsonMandelaElementary.
The week came in response to the nation’s Black Lives Matter demonstrations and protests. Mandela, with 94 percent of its scholars identifying as African American, could not ignore recent events. The week kicked off the school’s re-commitment to its mission: to provide quality instruction that demonstrates ALL scholars can learn and develop academically, emotionally, socially, and physically, paying particular attention to the social and emotional aspects of that mission. Therefore, team members are reevaluating curriculum, making sure they are teaching accurate history, and teaching in a way that their scholars can be proud of their identity.