Black History Month

2/26/2021

Programming updates from the observance of Black History Month at SPS

This month St. Paul's School has a full lineup of programming planned in observance of Black History Month. The community celebration is grounded in and framed by The International Decade for People of African Descent, with the themes of recognition, justice, and reconciliation as our focus. From Chapel Talks, to student voices, to projects on the grounds, the page will serve as a collection for all the work happening throughout Black History Month at SPS.

February 26

Caroline Randall Williams '06 took time to participate in our Black History Month virtual salon, co-moderated by Chloe Abbruzzese '22 and Dubby Ugha '21.

February 25

In the final installment of the Black History Month Chapel Talk Series, Prof. Eleanor Brown, a Penn State law professor and Rhodes Scholar, delivered remarks to the community.

February 19

Below is an excerpt from an article that appeared in the February community newsletter, titled Recognition, Justice, and Reconciliation. It provides context and perspective on the SPS observance of Black History Month.

"To see and recognize others has been the first theme of Black History Month at St. Paul’s. And then, only after recognition, can there be justice and reconciliation, February’s other two themes, as explained by SPS Dean of Chapel and Spiritual Life the Rev. Charles (Chuck) Wynder Jr. and Bethany Dickerson Wynder, the School’s director of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

Occurring within the UN’s International Decade for People of African Descent (2015-24), this year’s Black History Month at SPS is the first for Bethany and Chuck Wynder, who arrived at the School with their son last fall. Together, and with their colleagues, they intend to extend the month’s themes throughout the year, and beyond."

February 18

Michael B. Moore, VP, diversity & inclusion officer at Blackbaud, joined our Chapel program today to deliver his perspective on his work and Black History Month.

February 15

Vice Rector for Faculty The Rev. Michael Spencer gave his Chapel Talk titled, “When the Stars Begin to Fall,” as part of today's Chapel Service.

February 12

Throughout the month of February, the SPS Connected daily newsletter will feature video biographies that lift up the stories of notable Black men and women. Below are the biographies for the week of February 8-12:

Monday, February 8 - Rebecca Lee Crumpler, M.D. (by Anna Purvis '22)
Tuesday, February 9 - Madam C.J. Walker (by Nia Goodloe-Pierre '23)
Wednesday, February 10 - Fela Kuti (by Kam Oseni '21)
Thursday, February 11 - Bessie Coleman (by Chinelo Chigozie-Nwosu '22)
Friday, February 12 - Reverend Doctor Pauli Murray (by Chloe Abbruzzese '22)

February 12

Setting the stage for the all-school Living in Community (LINC) Day on Saturday, February 13, Dr. Michelle Holmes of VISIONS, Inc., the School's new partner for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, highlighted today's service with her Chapel Talk.

February 5

Monday, February 1 - Bishop Desmond Tutu (by Eden Wright '22)
Tuesday, February 2 - Dr. Mae Jemison (by Dubby Ugha '21)
Wednesday, February 3 - James Baldwin (by Dru Strand '21)
Thursday, February 4 - Dr. Charles R. Drew (by Ryan Boone '21)
Friday, February 5 - Mr. Marcus Garvey (by Seth McKenzie '21)

February 4

Featuring a Chapel Talk from Rev. Mark Koyama and a reading from Harriet Ward, today's Chapel program was broadcast live from the Crumpacker Gallery, where the Sacred Ally Quilt Project Exhibit is on display throughout the month.

February 1

Opening with remarks from The Rev. Charles Wynder, Jr. on the upcoming Black History Month Chapel Series, today's service featured a Chapel Talk from The Rev. Leandra Lambert, who serves as Curate for St. Luke's Episcopal Church.