LC Enjoys Black History Month Assembly

First, students were introduced to Jason Reeves (Jason Jr. ’32), who shared his journey of becoming a successful and prominent black comic book creator and artist.

 

Mr. Reeves shared that he wanted to make comic book characters that look like him and his family since he did not see that growing up. He presented the many ways he sees comic art and heroes in all that he does and sees. Because activism is near and dear to his heart, he highlighted one work that featured the creative process from sketch to coloration of an African American girl whose superpowers include wielding green energy allowing her to fight for environmental justice. His character was proudly used to represent the Frontline Detroit Coalition for the New Green Deal in 2019. 

Mr. Reeves also connected to the mind mapping that 4^th Grade students do in terms of how his creative process extends to all manner of influences. One example is his re-envisioning of The Black Panther.

As Mr. Horwitz concluded, “Mr. Reeves is an incredible example of demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity in order to fulfill his dreams.”

Next up, Mr. Kamau Stanford (Ari '31 and Solomon '28), parent, Upper Campus teacher, and Co-Chair of the Parent Association Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion’s Community Outreach Committee, facilitated a Q&A with four students from the Upper Campus Black Student Union (BSU). Fielding questions were Lola Barris ‘24, Heaven Hart ‘23, Carter Lee ‘23, and Parker Whitfield ‘23. Their contributions ranged from describing what the BSU is and does to how we can all celebrate Black History Month.

As he presented different, impactful historical figures, Mr. Stanford pronounced, “When I think about Black History, I think about it as a verb.” Acting and achieving are at the core of being the best version of oneself. The last image he shared was a hand pointing to the audience. And, to the cheers of our students, he charged, “You are more important than all these figures. You will be the best versions of yourself.”

 

Captivated students loved hearing from Upper Campus students, community members, and new comic book character, Pax Samson. Mr. Reeves echoed the sentiments of how Sierra Canyon reviews and plans our curriculum by working to represent diversity in the authors of the books we study and the characters within them. Sierra Canyon celebrates our diversity as one of our greatest assets.