Brearley Celebrates Black History Month
Kenilworth Public Schools
The hallway at the entrance to David Brearley Middle High School (DBMHS) showcases iconic figures in Black history, but not the ones you might expect. Instead of civil rights heroes and politicians, the display focuses on creativity and features athletes, musicians and even a depiction of 100 years of Black hairstyles.
The school’s Race Matters Alliance, working with DBMHS alumnus Jordan Stewart, intentionally focused on Black culture to mark Black History Month, explained principal Jeremy Davies.
“Black history and Black culture are incredibly important parts of American history. Our goal is to show our students that they are one in the same,” Davies said. “This display has captured that, as well as shines a light on a variety of contributions made by Black Americans to our society.”
The project was organized and guided by staff members including principal Jeremy Davies, Fine & Performing Arts and Technology teacher Dr. Janice Marsili, middle school counselor Megan Harrison and high school social studies teacher Tim Ryan, with special assistance from Dr. Marsili’s husband, Mr. Marsili.
Along with messages echoing Black excellence throughout the building, Brearley hosted Montclair State University’s Step Team, Gospel Choir, and a Dance Team sub-group called Complexions as part of its Black History Month celebration. The assembly was followed by a reception and panel discussion hosted by the Race Matters Alliance and its advisors, Dr. Marsili and Mrs. Harrison, along with Stewart.
After the semester change on Feb. 4, seniors began the first ever Social Justice class at DBMHS. The elective explores literature involving social justice issues and current events. Since the class is new, students have been able to help mold the syllabus around their interests. They can choose from a variety of texts that tie into the subject.
“Students have expressed that being able to shape this class themselves, they are more engaged in reading than they have been in years past,” said Davies. “It excites me to see them be able to dictate what our future generations will be exploring while genuinely being interested in the subject.”
Photo by Kenilworth Public Schools
