Black History Month Archives Museum

Just before spring break, The Fifth Grade EJB team hosted a Black History Month Archives Museum in the South Room, an exhibit open to the whole school community. Each group worked with Westtown Archivist Sara Mullen to review archival materials and research Black pioneers at Westtown, and then, over the course of two days, gave presentations as visitors came to their tables during the exhibit.

“I launched the Fifth Grade Equity, Justice, and Belonging team three years ago to ensure student voices consistently connected to Westtown’s mission-aligned approach.” shares Kelly Yiadom, Director of Equity, Justice, and Belonging for Lower and Middle Schools. “At the beginning of the year, students have the opportunity to volunteer their time in an effort to do a deeper dive into social justice while developing their advocacy and presentation skills. 

“For the Black History Month Archives Museum, students diligently researched Black Westtown pioneers, narrated their stories, and designed the exhibits to bring their stories to life. Their parents and several Westtown community members filled the South Room to learn about Charles Hammond (the first Black man to graduate from Westtown), Mervin Hutton (the first full-time Black teacher), Siggy Howard (the first Black woman to graduate from Westtown), and Grace Cunningham (the first Black student to attend Westtown), and Sonia Simmons (one of the first five Black students admitted to Westtown). Nothing is more rewarding than witnessing the journey of a project through its completion. To that, well done, Jordan, Eric, Dania, Jackson, Chloe, Nora, Lucas, Sam, Tommy, Kennedy, and Evvia!”

You can enjoy a gallery of photos of their exhibit here.