Nelson Mandela/Dr. Hosea Zollicoffer second grade students honor African American artists for Black History Month

Second grade students at Nelson Mandela/Dr. Hosea Zollicoffer School gathered with excitement in the gym to present their African American Museum of the Arts on Wednesday, February 28, 2024.  

The museum highlighted many historical influential figures who contributed to African American history such as Maya Angelou, Jean Michel Basquiat, Stevie Wonder, Alma Thomas, Amanda Gorman, Gordon Parks and Misty Copeland. Students learned about the struggles, accomplishments and contributions of these inspirational individuals. 

“One of our goals today was to share information that helps to tell the stories of the past and present of African Americans in the arts,” said Simone Oliver, a second grade teacher at NMHZ. “Art reflects our humanity back upon us and allows us to view the world from a different perspective. Our students exceeded our expectations, and we could not be more proud of them!” 

The museum consisted of creative materials to showcase these artists' accomplishments including music, videos, photographs and text. Students worked together to create displays on various extraordinary people who have contributed to African American history and culture following extensive research on these iconic artists.  

“I am overjoyed with our scholars' displays and how engaged they were throughout this process of learning about influential African Americans in the arts,” said Nirmala Lewis, second grade teacher at NMHZ. “They took ownership of their work and they truly shined like the diamonds that they are on our museum opening day!”