History Program

Black history month is coming to a close on a áhigh noteá in verona..

Students at verona elementary celebrate historic and cultural achievements with music and dance.... as they re-enact some of the most iconic moments in african american history.

Our bobby martinez was in the audience this morning.

He joins us in the studio with a review..

Hit songs by michael jackson and john legend echoed throughout the gymnasium.

And through the music and class readings, students were learning a much deeper message.

"we are strong, we are beautiful people.

We are intelligent people and we can be whatever we want to if we put the time and effort forward."

Black history month takes center stage at verona elementary school..

Students celebrate the contributions of african americans with words and music..

Music teacher bonita carothers, says weaving the history with music and dance helps to make the message meaningful and memorable to the children..

"we try to encourage the young people how important it is to to remember african americans and how they've paved the way for us and them today."

"if we don't teach them, they won't know.

If we don't inform them, it will get lost because history is african american history.

All history is important."

And as the third grade students took the stage in front of a packed gymnasium.

Neily buchanan may have had some pre- show jitters, but when the curtain came up she excited to show her hard work in front of everyone.

"it was very fun and.

I was doing the glory dance by john legend and common.

And we had to have a lot of practice.

Several weeks and it was just a lot of fun.

I was nervous at fist but now i'm excited."

As for ashley clifton, she says there was one performance that was a real "thriller" "the special part was the michael jackson group i really liked theirs because it reminded me of michael jackson."

School counselor, nickeda shelton, says teaching students the history of african american culture is important for many reasons.

"so important for our kids to learn about where we've come from.

The struggles and sacrifices that were made so that we can do this very program.

Being in this very school.

Being in this integrated school, with integrated kids and integrated staff."

"our kids need to know and understand that a lot of lives were lost and a lot of sacrifices were made in order for them to live in this moment."

Overall, it was a great way to close out black history month and a job well done