‘Crawford Elementary School at Eielson AFB Celebrates Black History Month’ by Sam Jordan at ASDN

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A Crawford ES student discusses entrepreneur, philanthropist, and a political and social activist Madam C.J. Walker.
A Crawford ES student
discusses entrepreneur, philanthropist, and a political and social activist Madam C.J. Walker.

Alaska’s history and its present are uniquely defined by the contributions of African-Americans. From the trailblazers who built of the Alaska Highway during World War II, to military members who serve at our many Armed Forces facilities, to families, leaders and legislators who contribute to our communities and guide our government.

A Crawford ES student discusses jazz singer Billy Holiday with FNSBSD Superintendent Karen Gaborik.
A Crawford ES student discusses jazz singer Billy Holiday with FNSBSD Superintendent Karen Gaborik.

Many schools in Alaska celebrated Black History Month this year (February 2019). In the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, students at Crawford Elementary School, which is located on the Eielson Air Force Base, celebrated by holding a Black History Wax Museum.

A Crawford ES student presents to peers about educator, author, and orator Booker T. Washington
A Crawford ES student presents to peers about educator, author, and orator Booker T. Washington

For this project, students researched prominent African-American figures in science, the arts and government, wrote and designed presentations about a person they admired, and then presented about that person to fellow students, parents, teachers and visitors during a Black History Wax Museum.

A Crawford student describes Ella Fitzgerald's singing.
A Crawford ES student describes Ella Fitzgerald’s singing style.

During their presentations, many students highlighted accomplishments, but also noted the character qualities of perseverance, grit, commitment and dedication which allowed these leaders to succeed. It was a night of great discussion and sharing, and an opportunity to honor the efforts and contributions of African-Americans to our state and our nation.

A Crawford ES student discusses engineer, physician and NASA astronaut Mae Jemison.
A Crawford ES student discusses engineer, physician and NASA astronaut Mae Jemison.
A Crawford ES student shows how agricultural scientist and inventor George Washington Carver developed products with peanuts.
A Crawford ES student shows how agricultural scientist and inventor George Washington Carver developed products with peanuts.

Have a story to share from your own school/district? You can either fill out this Google form, or simply send Sam Jordan content directly to work up a post.  We are looking for posts of no more than 500 words, accompanied by 1-2 pictures if available. If you need ideas, check out this doc https://bit.ly/2HDqyGx