I know I’ve given you the full low down of how our Black History Month show goes down at each school and the pieces and knowledge we share with each school and their students, but I’d like to take a blog to thank the Chicago Public Schools that made this all possible. As we reach the end of February, I personally feel very thankful to these schools and I know as an organization that South Chicago Dance Theatre feels so proud of our community for so many reasons.

First of all, thanks to the staff, administration, and principals of many CPS schools so many children were exposed to art in its purest form…LIVE! It’s been awhile since we’ve performed live and for many schools they made mention that it had been approximately two years since they had had an assembly gathering their students. It truly made us feel honored to be the first performance back in action.

These kids got the privilege of witnessing dance which many kids never get to experience due to many factors including cost, accessibility, or interest. Students were able to see the product of hard work and chasing a dream. Introducing the possibility of doing something you love through passion and hard work is worth more than I could ever explain. Whether it be dance, singing, acting, math, science, business, medicine, engineering, construction, etc. these kids got to understand that if you work towards a goal it is possible to achieve it.

Lastly, and most importantly, the CPS students were able to learn about Black History. Even with information as simple as the name of the Black National Anthem or the colors of the African American Flag, kids need to understand the influence of black culture on the United States. It’s everywhere and it’s pivotal and they got to learn about it in a fun and accessible way. If even a handful of kids walked away learning something they didn’t know before, it’s all worth it.

A big shout-out and giant thank you to the following schools that participated in our Black History Month performance series…we LOVED visiting your beautiful schools and wonderful students!

Wescott Elementary

British School Lincoln Park

Ogden Elementary (East Campus)

Powell Elementary

Haines Elementary

Ogden High School (West Campus)

Hickory Bend Elementary

NKO Charter School

Edward Coles Elementary

We greatly appreciate your willingness to educate your students on Black History, expose them to the arts, and support SCDT!

Happy Black History Month!