"Our Joy, Our Sound!"

Our Joy. Our Sound.

Gwendolyn Brooks Middle School BSU

Black History Month at Brooks is a celebration of culture, creativity, leadership, and legacy. Throughout February, students will engage in learning experiences that uplift Black voices, explore historical impact, and celebrate the power of joy through music, art, poetry, and dialogue.

- Zendaya, American actress and singer

Our Social Justice Club is using the morning announcements to spotlight key figures in Black activism. These daily highlights strengthen historical understanding while uplifting student leadership and voice.

🎓 HBCU Edition — Now Underway!

Our HBCU Door Decorating Contest officially kicked off this past Wednesday!

Grade levels and staff teams are transforming classroom doors to highlight the legacy, excellence, and cultural impact of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Students are learning about:

• The history and founding of HBCUs

• Notable alumni and leaders

• School traditions and culture

• Contributions to music, politics, science, education, and the arts

This activity connects directly to our theme:

Our Joy. Our Sound.

Because HBCUs have long been spaces where Black joy, scholarship, leadership, and culture thrive.

🏆 Doors will be judged based on:

• Historical accuracy

• Creativity

• Visual impact

• Connection to our Black History Month theme

Winning classrooms will be announced during our culminating celebration on February 27!

We can’t wait for families to see the transformation throughout the building.

Our student-selected Spirit Days begin Monday February 23rd and run through February 27th!

Students voted on days to celebrate culture, pride, creativity, and school spirit. Look for the schedule next week -students if you have not submitted your choice yet; please use this link to do so.

Let’s show up. Let’s show pride. Let’s show joy.

Daily in the Commons/Auditorium

During social time, students can participate in:

• Black History Trivia

• Music challenges

• Cultural fact games

• Leadership spotlights

These interactive experiences help students learn while building community. How many of these famous women can you name in the picture?

3 Days Next Week in Core Classes

Students in various core classes will view selected portions of Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) and engage in structured discussion and reflection activities.

This powerful documentary highlights the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival and celebrates Black music, culture, and history.

If you prefer that your student not participate in this classroom experience, please fill out this google form.

Limited Registration – First 20 Students

Mr. Lebon will host a special Black History Month art session after school.

• The first 20 students to register will secure a spot.

• If we develop a waitlist, we will open a second session.

Creativity. Culture. Expression.

Wednesday, February 18

Students will experience a dynamic Hip Hop Poetry session that highlights:

This experience connects directly to our theme: Our Joy. Our Sound.

Friday During WIN...
(Separate sessions for 6th, 7th, and 8th grades)
Students will hear from community leaders about:

• Career pathways
• Representation
• Overcoming challenges
• Leadership journeys
• How joy fuels impact

Friday Night

Our annual Sneaker Ball celebrates community, culture, and school pride.

• Music curated by students

• Brooks DJ Lucky Lucas

• Celebration of style and self-expression

It’s more than a dance — it’s a vibe.

Get your tickets on RevTrak! by Wednesday, Feb.18th!

No entry or food tickets will be sold at the door!

February 26 - 6th Grade/February 27 -7th & 8th Grade - During WIN

We will close the month with a student showcase highlighting:

• Performances

• Reflections

• Music

• Spoken word

• Celebrations of 100 Years of Black History

#Voices raised. Spirits high. Joy amplified.

Black History Month at Brooks reflects our commitment to:

✔ Equity

✔ Inclusion

✔ Student Voice

✔ Leadership Development

✔ Belonging

We celebrate legacy.

We center joy.

We amplify sound.

Our Joy. Our Sound.