Allen Elementary’s Black History Month Celebration featured performances deeply rooted in Black history, highlighting themes of resilience, justice, and artistic expression.
Musical selections included “Keep Your Eyes on the Prize” performed by third graders, “Don’t B Flat Blues” by the fifth grade band, and “We Shall Not Be Moved” by the fifth grade orchestra.
A standout element of the celebration was a cross-curricular collaboration between the 4th-grade art and music classes using Soundtrap. Students explored the commonalities between visual art and music by studying Black artists such as Alma Thomas, Kehinde Wiley, and Romare Bearden. They then created original musical compositions to complement their visual artwork, demonstrating their understanding of rhythm, texture, movement, and contrast across both art forms.
Additionally, fourth graders and Allen staff came together to sing Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World,” with Young 5’s performing sign language interpretation. Other highlights included a heartfelt performance of “Peace Like a River” by first graders, and a rousing finale of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” uniting all students, staff and families in song.
Allen Assistant Principal Terra E. Webster said she was amazed by the assembly, and that she was clapping, crying and singing along.
“I’ve been working for AAPS for almost 32 years and over that time, I’ve been in a few buildings,” she said. “To date, I have never seen a Black History month performance at elementary, middle school or high school as relevant and thought-provoking as what we all experienced today.”
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