Joy and Community

On Monday, Feb. 28, St. Paul’s School will host a screening of Robert Shetterly’s documentary “Truth Tellers,” a story about his art and activism as well as an exploration of what it means to live in a democracy. The screening, followed by a student-moderated Q&A session with Shetterly, will complete the School’s observance of Black History Month.

 

The U.N. General Assembly proclaimed 2015-2024 as the International Decade for People of African Descent, citing the need to strengthen national, regional, and international cooperation in relation to the full enjoyment of economic, social, cultural, civil, and political rights by people of African descent, and their full and equal participation in all aspects of society. During its observance of Black History Month, SPS built on the International Decade for People of African Descent theme by focusing on recognition, justice, reconciliation, and development. With the support of groups and offices across the grounds, programming at the School throughout the month promoted a greater knowledge of, and respect for, the diverse heritage, culture, and contribution of people of African descent to the development of societies.

 

“I am honored and humbled to have worked with a team of colleagues and students to design a multifaceted observance of Black History Month that integrated our themes of fostering an ethic of care, inclusion, and justice,” says Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives Bethany Dickerson Wynder. “It has allowed the community to showcase the societal contributions by people of African descent. While February is nearly over, St. Paul’s School continues to work to study Black history throughout the year, recognizing that doing so provides important context for how we got to where we are today, a deeper understanding of the issues we still face in this country, and ways we can act to help build Beloved Community at and beyond SPS.”

 

The marquee event took place on Sunday, Feb. 20, when the SPS community gathered in Memorial Hall for the second annual Black History Celebration. Organized by faculty member Dr. Litzrudy Justinvil, staff member Jorane Manuel-Justinvil, and members of the student affinity group Onyx, the celebration featured the talents of student singers and dancers, DJ Khalfani Green ’17, cellist Esther Benjamin, and vocalist Gordon Michaels. Dr. Justinvil discussed his work through the sponsorship of the 1973 Mentor Fellowship Award and his travels last summer across the country in search of key landmarks that show the importance of the African Diaspora in American history. Manuel-Justinvil presented on Community Building Through Storytelling and shared stories about herself and her family.

 

“The Black History Celebration displayed some of the most amazing talent on campus from our Black faculty and students,” says Student Council Vice President Mikai Spencer ’22, who sang Rihanna’s song “Diamond.” “I loved the sense of joy and community that was gifted to the audience. Oftentimes, we learn about the suffering of the Black Diaspora and not the joy and liminality of the Black existence. The event made it clear that there is a diversity within the Black existence that has yet to be explored, both in the world and at SPS.”

 

Dr. Justinvil also was invited to speak in Chapel, as was Shetterly and The Rev. Dr. Leslie Copeland Tune, chief operating officer of the National Council of Churches and a tireless advocate for justice.

 

The Feb. 20 celebration continued with an African Diaspora dinner at the Upper with traditional foods, African drums, and a hip-hop music showcase. Theo Martey from The Akwaaba Ensemble gave a presentation that included drumming, singing, and audience participation. The dinner was one of five themed community meals FLIK Dining Services created to share the cuisines of the American South, West Africa, Afro-Cuba, and the West Indies.

 

The Sheldon Interfaith/DEIJ Common Room was the site of a BIPOC student art exhibit and weekly watch parties for the documentaries “Ralph J. Bunche: An American Odyssey,” “Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am,” A Ballerina’s Tale: The Incredible Rise of Misty Copeland,” and “Tell Them We Are Rising: The History of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.” 

 

Throughout the month, SPS students shared profiles of Black excellence and short videos in SPS Connected, the newsletter emailed to students and faculty most weekdays. The Student Advising Office also used the newsletter to highlight some of the 107 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the United States.

 

And while SPS regularly integrates diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice into the curriculum, according to Wynder, faculty across departments emphasized this practice throughout February.