Salem Public Schools is proud to celebrate the contributions of African-Americans to American history and culture. As a school community, we are committed to centering belonging and removing barriers to equitable educational outcomes for all students. Now more than ever, it is crucial that we examine our efforts to create a welcoming environment where all students and families can thrive.
This year we will honor the life and work of Sarah Parker Remond and Robert Morris, who were both born in Salem and left a legacy of being remarkable civil rights leaders.
Ms. Remond attended Salem High School before SPS segregated its schools in 1834. Although she was excluded from school as a result, she went on to become a successful lecturer, speaking powerfully about both women’s rights and abolitionism. She also raised money through her lectures to support freed slaves after the war.
Mr. Morris was the country’s second African-American attorney (the first was Macon Bolling Allen). Mr. Morris advocated for integrated public spaces and equal rights for women, represented alleged fugitive slaves, and built a law practice with Irish immigrants. As a law student, Mr. Morris successfully petitioned the Salem School Committee to desegregate its schools in 1844.
Through the month of February, teachers and students will have the chance to dive into the legacy of Ms. Remond and Mr. Morris. We also encourage you to take advantage of the City’s Black History Month events and activities to reflect on the significance of Black History Month.
The following events are open to the public and will take place at Old Town Hall, 32 Derby Square (Tickets for the two theatre productions are free of charge, but attendees must register):
On Saturday, Feb. 1 at 11 a.m. (tomorrow), the Salem Human Rights Coalition is hosting its second annual celebration in partnership with the North Shore Juneteenth Association.. The program includes a vocal performance from Janey David, singer and songwriter from the Boston area. Several SPS students will also speak on what Black History Month means to them. Please see the informational flyer below.
On Feb. 21 at 7 p.m., History Alive—an immersive historically-themed theater company in Salem–will put on a show titled "Fashioning for Freedom,” which features a runway of Black creativity and activism from New England's past three centuries, including the Remond family of Salem.
On Sunday, Feb. 23 at 3 p.m., History Alive will put on a production “In Open Rebellion.” This play is set in 1774, as Salem prepared for its secret Provincial Congress. Commissioned in 2024 by the Essex National Heritage Commission and written by Kristina Wacome Stevick, the production delves into the lives of Salem's patriots, loyalists and enslaved Africans.
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