Our annual Black History Month celebration provided opportunities for our young people to learn more about the experience and contributions of African Americans to our national life and culture and to celebrate the heritage and ancestry of many of our young people.

A special focus for this year’s celebration was African Americans in the Arts. Activities explored the African-American experience through the visual and performing arts, literature, fashion, folklore, language, film, music, architecture, culinary arts, and more.

As Black History Month Committee member Gewanda Monroe explained, “the arts have long provided avenues for African Americans not just to excel, but to express struggles, identity, pride, and aspirations.” Monroe said the month’s activities were designed to “help our young people connect their present-day interactions with the creative arts and entertainment to the rich legacy of artistic excellence that came before them.”

An art showcase at both campuses allowed our kids the chance to explore the theme through music, poetry, spoken word, skits, dance, and more. In addition, artwork created by our young people was on display.

“The significance of the [art show] was to highlight the importance of recognizing our history and reflect on how the arts impact the African American journey,” said Mercy Home’s Director of Education & Career Resources on the Walsh Campus, Brittany Terrell.

“The youth are very well versed in art,” Terrell said. “Bringing that together in this showcase was a pivotal moment for all of them.”

The showcases featured entertainment for youth and coworkers and allowed our kids to share their unique talents. Our youth sang uplifting songs, recited heartfelt poems, and performed funny skits, to the delight of all in attendance.

At our girls campus, the atmosphere was fully electric. Everyone in attendance danced in their seats as one youth sang the hit 70s song, Fantasy by Earth, Wind, & Fire. Others recited original poems reflecting on their lives and experiences as African Americans in society.

“Some of our youth have interest in careers in the arts,” Terrell said. “This was a way to get them to express themselves and be heard and seen by their peers and staff. [But it was also for them] to see what they want to do in their lifelong journey and careers.”

At the West Loop Campus, our young people put on an exciting and educational program for their peers and coworkers. Several youths expressed thier creativity through poetry, photography, art, and music.

“I think what made it a big success was the staff encouraging the boys to put themselves out there,” said Director of Education & Career Resources at Mercy Home’s West Loop Campus, Marlin Exton. “And when they did the boys really gave 100%. That’s what made it special.”

Coworkers and kids sang along, danced, and clapped to a youth who rapped the song “Alright” by Kendrick Lamar.

Another youth overcame his fear of public speaking and read a poem called Freedom by Langston Hughes.

“They were afraid at first, but once they got up there, you could tell that they really cared about what they were doing or what they were talking about,” Exton said. “That’s what made it so great for me.”

The events were an opportunity to celebrate many of our young people’s heritage through education, art, collaboration, and discussions. The celebration afforded the platform, training, and confidence to create art that reflects their cultural identity. Black History Month has been a huge success for our kids, who walked away more versed about African American history, arts, and culture and how they can use their own creative gifts to communicate their experiences and aspirations.

“It wouldn’t have happened without the staff really encouraging the guys that it’s okay and we’re going to support them,” Exton said. “And it wouldn’t have happened without them being willing to step up. That’s what made it so great.

The Home concluded Black History Month with a delicious soul food dinner and a friendly dessert competition. During the dinner, the boys finished their final round of trivia, where they answered questions about influential black leaders and African American history. At the girls campus, youth had the chance to win some great prizes in a raffle

Throughout the month, youth were also given lists of suggested poetry, literature, and movies to help them explore the theme of African Americans in the arts.

In addition to the arts, our kids also reflected on and discussed different topics throughout the month around influential black figures in other areas, and pivotal moments in American history to advance freedom and equality. Posters of famous African Americans in history adorned the common areas of the Home, while youth performed special tasks that entered them into a raffle to win Black History Month swag and wore themed clothing for spirit week.