If you took part in Black History Month at Schenectady High in February, you can thank Kargsia McDuffie. The assistant principal of the Freshmen Academy was a big part in making this happen.
Throughout the month, the high school had activities ending with a school-wide assembly where the students came together in the auditorium and performed. A Black History Month essay/poetry contest was also held, along with other activities including a doors and board decorating contest where teachers and students decorated their doors, a black history-based scavenger hunt that took place around the school, an alumni event where black alumni who work in the building and some who came from other places sat down and connected with current students to talk about their experiences and careers.
I interviewed Ms. McDuffie and got insight on the process of making this celebration possible.
Ms. McDuffie, who has worked in Schenectady for six years. said she was inspired to do this because she had never seen a real Black History Month celebration.
“Black History Month is a very important thing because it not only showcases black history and contributions but it helps to inspire people,” she said.
The biggest challenge she faced was convincing everyone that 900 children could be in the auditorium at one time and it would work out, But overall there was a lot of support from the students and many others. Students were very intrigued and fascinated with the performance during the assembly, she said.
This event was made in the hope to inspire all the diverse students in the school and educate everyone, no matter their race, she said.
“I also hope that all the students learn more about their friends because their friends may not look like them or have the same culture, so it’s an opportunity to build more relationships through the sharing of culture,” she said.
Her hopes for the future is making this an annual celebration to keep giving students the opportunity to experience the celebration of Black History Month. People who have worked in the district for 15 years told her that they’d never seen a black history month like this one at Schenectady High.
Ms. McDuffie sees it as an opportunity to allow people to come together through the sharing of culture.
“It is our hope all students and staff are inspired to make black history live all year long in teaching and in learning in their lives, to go on your own and their own journeys of intentionally seeking out the many things people and places we don’t know about black history and black people’’ contributions to America and to the world,” she said.
