hbcu assembly

Ensworth Celebrates Black History

by Michelle Andrade
“If not us, then who, if not now, then when?”
— John Lewis (U.S. Congressman and Former student at Nashville’s Fisk University & American Baptist College)
The study of history and culture is a part of the Ensworth Experience, and students are challenged to be intellectually curious about topics that they may be unaware of at every turn. The introduction of such issues often corresponds with national holidays, months, or birthdays, to name a few. February is celebrated as Black History Month, and as an ongoing study, special efforts are made to bring awareness to students’ minds and hearts. 

The entire school community was invited this past month to VISIBLE: A Celebration of Visual Arts and “By Design: The Shaping of Nashville's Public Schools” to expand the scope and understanding of African Americans. Life and culture are celebrated and honored through ongoing exhibits on campus, as well as plans for more guests as the school year treks on. 

As a part of the scheduled assemblies and activities, students on both campuses have the opportunity to learn more about Black history. Books displayed in the library, structured lesson plans, Assemblies, and PCLs (Prescribed Community Learning) continue to draw students in as they grow to be people of integrity. 

Lower and Middle School students welcomed guests like Stefan Forbus, Saxofonist and Alumni - Tennessee State University, Aristocrat of Bands, as they learned more about HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities). Student voices shared how they celebrate their culture and all students were challenged and encouraged to celebrate their own community culture here at Ensworth. All learned the compelling fight song from TSU with a modification to include Ensworth School. 

I’m so glad… I go to Ensworth School… I’m so glad… I go to Ensworth School… I’m so-so- glad… That I go to Ensworth School… Singing Glory Hallelujah… Whoo! I’M SO GLAD!  

Some Lower School students are immersed in an interdisciplinary Jazz unit, Jazz Music and Its Impact on the World—The Roots and Streams of Influence. Artists from the National Museum of African American Music are scheduled to come later in the month. 

High School students participated in a Diversity Community Panel in their PCL, hearing voices and opinions of local Black artists. This event was a part of VISIBLE: A Celebration of Visual Arts, the second annual event. They also watched an Interview with Henry Hicks III, President and CEO of the National Museum of African American Music. They learned more about the inception and founding of this historical museum and the historical unfolding of music through the vision of “One Nation Under a Groove.” 

Although the celebration of culture and diversity is in no way limited to a single month, we are grateful at Ensworth to have the opportunity to focus with full intentionality on celebrating Black history. 

Trinity Through Unity will be on display on our Frist Campus through March 12, 2022.



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