Click here to read the Glenbard News for February 17, 2026
As we celebrate Black History Month this February, our Glenbard high schools across the district are hosting meaningful events and activities that highlight the contributions, resilience, and rich cultural heritage of the Black community. These events create opportunities for learning, reflection and stronger connections within our school communities.
At Glenbard East, the Black Student Union (BSU) and Sister 2 Sister are hosting fun and engaging activities every Thursday. They started the month by working together to create the Black History display case in the building, which will be updated weekly. Game Night took place on February 12th as an event to strengthen the sense of community amongst the attendees.
An annual tradition continues on February 19th with the BSU’s African American Read-In event, “The Things Black People Say”. The read-in highlights Black voices and stories through poem, short story, essay and song. The event kicks off at 3:15 p.m. in the Glenbard East library. On February 26th, a Soul Food Dinner will close the Black History Month celebration with food, fun and laughter.
“Black History Month is important to our organization because it centers what BSU tries to do all year round which is to honor, celebrate and empower the voices in our community,” said BSU co-sponsors Gariecia Rose and Teresa Lawrence. “The stories of marginalized groups tend to be overlooked in many spaces and so this month provides us with an avenue to shine a light on the history of black people’s resilience, strength, joy and achievements.”
Students are encouraged to dress in all black clothing for Black Out Thursdays, while Line Dancing Thursdays occur during all lunch periods. A weekly morning raffle provides prizes to the lucky winners.
Music creates a festive atmosphere daily, both at morning entry before school and over the public address system during passing periods. Highlights of Black history are displayed on hallways TV monitors and featured during morning PA announcements. Staff spotlights are also featured on the monitors.
Glenbard North’s Black History Month kickoff took place during a home basketball game on January 27th. A student sang “Lift Every Voice and Sing”, the starting lineup represented influential African Americans in history, Black History Month announcements were shared, and the band played music by Black artists.
College Day at North falls on Wednesdays, and during February, students and staff are encouraged to wear apparel from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. This initiative raises awareness of HBCUs and promotes additional postsecondary options for students. The cafeteria is also featuring Soul Food Fridays, offering a different culturally inspired menu each week to give students an opportunity to experience and celebrate food rooted in Black culture and history.
Spirit Week (February 23-26) will include themed clothing days for pajamas/cozy wear, sports jerseys, favorite band shirt or concert hoodie, and matching colors for each grade.
On February 6th, the Showstompers step team taught line dancing during all lunch periods. The February 19th Got Game? event will be held during sixth period collaboration hour, providing a space for students to come together to play games, connect, and build community. During PLC time on February 24th, the Black Student Association will host a Black History Month presentation focused on education, awareness, and student voice.
“From personal experience, I know how important it is for students to see themselves reflected in their school community,” said dean of students and equity coordinator Labrina Bone. “Black History Month isn’t just about learning history – it’s about celebrating culture, inspiring pride, and showing every student that their story matters. As an administrator, I see how these events create connection, visibility, and a sense of belonging that stays with students long after February ends. They highlight excellence, celebrate diverse stories, and foster a culture where every student feels seen, valued, and empowered to pursue their dreams.”
The hallways of Glenbard South celebrate Black History Month in a variety of mediums. The Student Equity Wall currently features inspirational quotes, pictures, and short bios of Black historical figures both past and present such as ballet dancer/author Misty Copeland, composer/producer Quincy Jones, musician/poet Gil Scott-Heron and poet/activist Maya Angelou. Informational Black History slides are featured on TV displays alongside Black Staff Spotlights that recognize the contributions of educators and team members in the building. During passing periods, a curated playlist showcases influential Black artists, adding an energetic soundtrack to the school day.
Spirit Week (February 9-13) invited the entire school community to participate in daily themes which included Black Athletes and Game Changers Day, Cowboy Carter Day, HBCU Day, Harlem Renaissance Day and Soulja Boy Day. The Tuesday theme crossed over to an evening screening of the docuseries High Horse: The Black Cowboy. The week concluded with the student organization Black Excellence United performing a spoken-word piece at the annual district-wide Multicultural Night on February 13th.
Lunchtime trivia on Fridays throughout the month brings friendly competition to the cafeteria, with prizes awarded as students test their knowledge of Black history and achievements.
“At Glenbard South, Black History Month isn’t just a retrospective; it’s a shared commitment to belonging,” said dean of students and equity coordinator Michael White. “By honoring the resilience and brilliance of Black voices, we ensure that every Raider – past, present, and future – feels seen, valued, and integral to the fabric of our school.”
Glenbard West started its Black History Month celebration on February 3rd with the African American Read-In event, “100 Years of Black History”. Students and staff shared poems, speeches, and musical performances that highlighted African American literature and artistic expression with more than 1,000 students in attendance. Following the read-in, West’s library hosted a special after-school performance by Oba William King, whose storytelling was accompanied by African drums.
Alongside the Black History Month decorations inside the building, West has a dedicated bulletin board that highlights influential Black leaders, artists, innovators, and changemakers. Black history facts are displayed on the hallway TVs, and Fridays feature music during passing periods as well as Black History Month trivia with prizes. Mondays in February have a wear your HBCU college gear theme for students and staff.
West’s cafeteria will serve a Soul Food-themed menu during all lunch periods on February 20th. This special meal is designed to celebrate Black culinary traditions and bring the school community together through culture and food.
On the morning of February 24, the Black History Month Career Day will be held in the library. Students will have the opportunity to learn from professionals who will share insights about their career paths, leadership journeys, and lived experiences. The event will emphasize representation, mentorship, and possibility, helping students envision their own future success while highlighting the impact of Black professionals across various industries.
“Recognition months like Black History Month create intentional space in our schools for representation and learning,” said dean of students and equity coordinator Lillie Blackmon. “They affirm the identities of our Black students while also giving students who are not Black the opportunity to learn about and appreciate a culture that has profoundly shaped our country. These moments strengthen understanding, empathy, and a sense of belonging for our entire school community.”
Throughout February, the Directions Program has been celebrating Black History Month with a variety of activities for the school community.
Spirit Week will give everyone the opportunity to participate in themed celebrations from February 17-20. Tuesday was 90’s Hip-Hop and R&B Day, where students dressed like their favorite music artists from the era. Wednesday will be Jersey Day, honoring the achievements of African Americans in sports. Unity Day is scheduled for Thursday, with students wearing all black to symbolize solidarity and togetherness as a school. The week concludes on Friday with Food and Movie Day, when students gather during Edgenuity to enjoy a film and Soul Food in celebration of Black History Month.
Music in the commons on Fridays creates a lively and welcoming atmosphere during the school day. The TV display in the commons features educational content throughout the month, and school-day PA announcements recognize notable Black leaders and changemakers who have made lasting contributions to society.
“The importance of Black History Month recognition is that it gives students a chance to learn about history that they may not learn in class,” said math teacher and equity coordinator JaVion Holman. “It gives our students more of a chance to connect to the culture and history of themselves as well as their peers. A lot of times, students’ cultures are forgotten in schools, so by celebrating Black History Month, we are recognizing our students as well as educating and giving their peers a chance to connect to them.”
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