Messmer High School

The impact and contributions of African American musicians were the central focus of this year’s African American History Month celebration at Messmer High School. Students traced the historical development of popular music from its rhythmic African origins to the spirituals and work songs of the slaves all the way to the blues, jazz and hip-hop.

Students were offered a variety of activities during the month. All students listened to examples of the music during lunch hours and read and discussed an excerpt from noted music critic Nelson George. Others took advantage of the opportunity to attend films, participate in songwriting and turntable workshops, and attend a distance learning lab discussion with Blues musician James Nixon. The culminating event was an all school assembly with performances from the Messmer band and choirs as well as Milwaukee based hip-hop group The Figureheads.

St. Rose and St. Leo Catholic School

St. Rose and St. Leo Catholic School designed activities around the theme of Civil Rights. Students learned how great men and women have historically joined together with one voice to address racial injustice in nonviolent ways. Students in grades K4-2 participated in activities that encouraged the young students to consider the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Students in grades 3-5 studied the Underground Railroad and used state maps to learn about United States Geography. Students in Grades 6-8 learned and discussed famous quotes by African Americans and created posters that honored great Civil Rights leaders.

The month of activities culminated in an all school assembly that featured student steppers, chorus singing, readings by award winning student poets and an inspirational speaker.

Messmer Preparatory Catholic School

Messmer Preparatory Catholic School celebrated African American History Month with daily facts about African American history. The celebration continued with a special luncheon featuring a live jazz band. Students in grades K4-2 also took a field trip to Central Library's Betty Brinn Childrens' Room to read about influential African Americans, and as a very special treat, Milwaukee's renowned Ko-Thi dancers performed for students in grades 3-8.