Loyola Blakefield Celebrates Black History Month

To celebrate the start of Black History Month, we held our annual Martin Luther King Jr. Assembly this morning. Rev. Alvin C. Hathaway Sr., Pastor of Union Baptist Church of Baltimore, spoke with the Loyola Blakefield community about his own experiences of discrimination in Baltimore and encouraged our students to be advocates for those who are marginalized. Rev. Hathaway has been instrumental in leading local civil rights efforts, as well as making the recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day a reality. Read more about his work here, and watch his entire speech below.


In addition to the assembly this morning, several activities have been organized throughout the week to help generate a greater understanding and empathy toward those who were marginalized, discriminated, and in some cases, physically harmed during the American Civil Rights movement:

Segregation Activity (February 6)

Students took part in a day-long activity that explored the experience and legacy of segregation in America. Students were assigned either a blue or gold sticker. Over the course of the day, small policies were put in place that affect the sticker holders differently. For example, one color might have been permitted to depart their lunch period early. There was no impact on the academic focus of the day, and the nature of the activity allowed both groups to experience alternating privileges. The exercise demonstrated the various ways (overt and concealed) that groups can be marginalized in society.

Cross-Curricular Activities
Throughout the week, the English, History, and Theology departments will implement lessons that draw from common texts related to Dr. King and the Civil Rights era. All lessons will be designed with each grade level in mind.

Thanks to Mr. Bernie Bowers ’78 (Office of Diversity & Inclusion), Mr. Justin White (Office of Ignatian Mission & Identity), and Mr. Anthony Zehyoue and the students in his Road to Justice: Civil Rights History course for helping organize activities this week.
Back
500 Chestnut Ave. Towson, MD 21204
communications@loyolablakefield.org
(410) 823-0601