Mount Mercy Celebrates Black History Month

Mount Mercy Academy Celebrates Black History Month with Pride and Purpose

Throughout the entire month of February, Mount Mercy Academy proudly honored Black History Month with meaningful activities, daily reflections, and a culminating celebration that brought our school community together in learning and appreciation.

Morning & Afternoon Announcements

All month long, our mornings and afternoons began with student-led announcements highlighting facts and information about incredible Black Americans who have shaped our nation’s history. From groundbreaking innovators and athletes to powerful leaders and artists, students helped amplify voices whose contributions continue to inspire us today.

Black History Across the Curriculum

Black history was not limited to announcements — it was intentionally incorporated into classrooms across all subject areas. Teachers integrated lessons, discussions, literature, historical analysis, scientific achievements, artistic contributions, and cultural studies to ensure students explored the depth and richness of Black history in meaningful ways.

At Mount Mercy, we believe learning about Black history is essential. It is American history. It is world history. It helps us better understand resilience, innovation, culture, justice, and the ongoing journey toward equality. Celebrating Black history fosters empathy, awareness, and respect — values that are central to our Mercy mission.

A Joyful Culmination: Black History Month Celebration

Mount Mercy Academy ended February with an amazing schoolwide celebration during the final week of the month. This event was facilitated and organized by our Cultural Development, Belonging, and Dignity Club (CDBD) and their moderator, Ms. Theresa Thomasulo. We are incredibly grateful for their leadership, dedication, and vision in bringing this event to life.

Interactive Presentations in the Dining Hall

Students rotated through engaging stations set up in the dining hall, where learning was interactive and dynamic:

• Presentation: Food History & Black Influence on American CultureStudents explored the deep influence of Black culinary traditions on American cuisine — and enjoyed delicious food samples along the way!

• Gimkit Game: “What Have You Learned?”Students tested their knowledge in a lively, schoolwide Gimkit competition focused on what they learned about Black history in their classes. Winners received prizes, adding excitement and celebration to the learning experience.

• Trifold Presentations & Gallery WalkStudents visited trifold displays highlighting:

  • Black athletes

  • Black innovators and inventors

  • Powerful and accomplished individuals

  • African flags and their meanings

  Handouts were available on student tables as they walked to different stations, encouraging deeper engagement.

  The Gallery Walk, comprised of artwork displayed throughout the ground floor, showcased creativity and cultural appreciation. A mural display added another powerful visual element to the celebration.

  
  

Presentations in the Gym

Students also attended powerful presentations in the gym, which included:

• African American poetry readings

• Speakers who discussed the history of slavery

• Reflections on resilience, courage, and progress

These presentations encouraged thoughtful reflection and meaningful conversation among our students.

Why Black History Matters

Black History Month is more than a celebration — it is an opportunity to honor the contributions, struggles, brilliance, and impact of Black Americans throughout history and today. It reminds us that understanding diverse experiences strengthens our community and deepens our commitment to justice and dignity for all.

At Mount Mercy Academy, we are proud to celebrate Black history because it reflects our commitment to cultural development, belonging, and human dignity. We strive to create a school environment where every voice is valued, every story is honored, and every student feels seen.

A Month to Remember

This year’s Black History Month celebration was truly inspiring. From daily announcements to classroom learning, interactive stations, artistic expression, poetry, and powerful discussions, our school community came together in unity and pride.

We are thankful to our students, faculty, the Cultural Development, Belonging, and Dignity Club, and Ms. Theresa Thomasulo for making this month meaningful and memorable.

Mount Mercy Academy is proud to honor Black history — not just in February, but every day.