Maya McFadden Photo
BOMUS leaders and panelists Melanie Thomas, Dondi José Burroughs Sr, Gary Winfield, Shante Teel-Williams, Alisha Crutchfield-McLean, Gary Highsmith, and Jamie Baker-Vilsaint.
Third and fourth-grade scholars at the Barack H. Obama Magnet University School sat in an audience looking at their future selves through the lens of a business owner, health professional, schools superintendent, state senator, and a motivational speaker/author.
That moment took place at BOMUS’ inaugural Black History Month Panel with leaders and change makers with roots in New Haven.
BOMUS Principal Jamie Baker-Vilsaint and Assistant Principal Melanie Thomas hosted Thursday’s event to inspire BOMUS students and celebrate local heroes.
“We’re all here because we deserve to be here,” Baker-Vilsaint said as students filed into the school’s gym.
Students ready to ask questions during Thursday's panel.
Thursday’s panelists included entrepreneur Alisha Crutchfield-McLean, health educator Dondi José Burroughs Sr., State Sen. Gary Winfield, Yale Smilow Cancer Hospital Nurse Manager Shante Teel-Williams, and Hamden Public Schools Superintendent Gary Highsmith. They sat under a projection that read “The Real Heroes of New Haven.”
For the first half hour of the event, panelists introduced themselves, reminded students that they matter, and offered them tips for their futures.
“Exposure is vital for the scholars that we service,” said Baker-Vilsaint, who came up with the event idea three weeks ago.
Highsmith gave four tips:
• Never stop reading.
• Choose your friends wisely.
• Be kind to people.
• Listen to the adults in your life.
At the conclusion of the hour-and-a-half-long event, students asked panelist questions.
“What are some ways that kids can help their communities even if they’re not old enough to have a job yet?” fourth-grader Jules asked the panel.
The answers: Volunteer in the community, stay out of trouble, share your ideas about your passions with adults, connect with and ask questions of community visitors who come to the school, and do your homework.
Fourth grader Sadaf asked the panelists what their superpowers are. The answers ranged from always believing in themselves and not being afraid to fail, to being caring and funny.
Baker-Vilsaint concluded that the Black History Month panel will be an annual event at the school with the goal of exposing students to Black success and a network of heroes that look like them.
“This group is history being made in real time,” she said.
Fourth-grader Jules asks the panel a question.