Celebrating Black History Month at CCHS
Celebrating Black History Month at CCHS
"During February, the United States celebrates Black History Month to recognize the contributions to American life that Black and African Americans have made," states Mrs. Aliali Silverio Belkus '97, Central Catholic’s Dean of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.
"In the same spirit, Central Catholic focuses on sharing these wonderful and courageous stories with our school community."
Black History Month Initiatives
Everyone is encouraged to participate in the various learning opportunities to explore important figures and events in Black History.
Activities and initiatives during the month include:
- SCOPE Meeting: Thursday, February 8, 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
- Catalano Memorial Library: Biographies of Famous Figures in Black History
- Celebration of Black Saints
- Highlighting Unsung Activists and a Daily Celebration of Black Contributors to American History
- Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion at Central Catholic
Everyone is encouraged to participate in the various learning opportunities to explore important figures and events in Black History.
Students Can Open People’s Eyes (SCOPE)
SCOPE is meeting Thursday, February 8, 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM, Room 229, Memorial Gymnasium
S.C.O.P.E. (Students Can Open People’s Eyes) supports multicultural students in their CCHS experience. The goal of SCOPE is for members to build relationships with peers, develop cultural agility through intercultural interaction, and create a network of support while maintaining and sharing their identity and cultural values. SCOPE members participate in special retreat days and additional social, positive, and informative activities throughout the year.
Catalano Memorial Library: Biographies of Famous Figures in Black History
The Catalano Memorial Library is celebrating Black History Month with a book display highlighting our collection of Biographies of famous figures in Black history.
Students can also learn more about the impact of dozens of famous figures through our Guess Who style information cards.
Read the clues then flip the cards to figure out if you’ve guessed the right person based on their accomplishments and life story.
Celebrating Black Saints
Posters celebrating the contributions of Black Catholics to the Catholic faith are on display in the 2nd Floor Exhibit Halls of the Hampshire Street Building.
Saint Josephine Bakhita
Saint Josephine Bakhita, born in Sudan, is an heroic saint who endured the horrors of slavery with bravery before she escaped into freedom through the group of religious sisters she joined.
On October 1, 2000, Pope John Paul II canonized Josephine Bakhita; she has since become the patron saint of Sudan and of the victims of human trafficking. St. Josephine Bakhita’s love and hope transformed the wounds of slavery into forgiveness and freedom.
Click here for more information and the full life story of Saint Josephine.
Sister Thea Bowman
Sister Thea Bowman was an educator, missionary disciple, and advocate for cultural awareness and racial harmony. Born in Mississippi in 1937, Sister Thea navigated through the horrid experiences of blatant racism, segregation, inequality, and the struggle for Civil Rights.
Sister Thea was attracted to the Catholic Church by the example of how Catholics seemed to love and care for one another, most especially the poor and needy. She converted to Catholicism through the inspiration of the religious sisters in her Catholic school.
Click here for more information and the full life story of Sister Thea Bowman.
Saint Moses the Ethiopian
Born in the fourth century, Moses was the leader of a gang of bandits spreading terror and violence. Attempting to hide from local authorities, he took shelter with some monks. The dedication of their lives, as well as their peace and contentment, influenced Moses deeply. He soon gave up his old way of life and joined the monastic community.
Saint Moses the Ethiopian was a monk and a leader in his religious communities. He was known as a man of peace, having spent much of his ministry calling people to reconciliation and forgiveness by word and example.
Click here for more information and the full life story of Saint Moses the Ethiopian.
Saints Perpetua and Felicity
Saints Perpetua and Felicity, a young noblewoman and her slave, were martyred for their faith in A.D. 203 during the persecution of Christians in Africa. At the time of their arrest, Perpetua had an infant son, and Felicity was pregnant. Felicity gave birth days before she died.
As a penalty for professing the name of Christ, Perpetua and Felicity were sentenced to death. Prior to their arrest, the women had been studying the Scriptures and were preparing for baptism. They were baptized in prison and approached their journey to the amphitheater with peace in their hearts, knowing they were joining Christ in heaven.
Click here for more information and the full story of Saints Perpetua and Felicity.
Highlighting Unsung Activists and a Daily Celebration of Black Contributors to American History
This month, in honor of Black History Month, we are going to share one fact relating to Black history daily.
In the past, this initiative has included a topic for each day, including Unsung Activists Mondays, Pop Culture Tuesdays, Throwback Thursdays, and Living History Fridays. These facts were provided in the morning announcements and sent via email every morning.
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion at Central Catholic
We are unique in our Diversity.
Students come to Central Catholic from over 60 cities and towns.
We come from diverse backgrounds and experiences to form a caring community of faith, learning, and service.
We come together as classmates, peers, and teammates.
We learn together and from one another as we develop a deeper understanding of who we are as people and how we fit together as a community.
We are Central.
Central Catholic’s Declaration of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
Central Catholic High School seeks to uphold anti-racist practices and promote empathetic attitudes to reflect a just and inclusive community that celebrates the identities, gifts, and dignity of its members. We condemn thoughts, words, and actions that harm one’s humanity. We call each other to follow Jesus’ example of love.
This statement is read daily as part of our morning reflection and hangs in every classroom as a reminder of our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion at Central Catholic High School.
Click here to read Central Catholic's Declaration of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.