Maya McFadden photo
At Celentano School's final Black History Month celebration of the year.
Eighth-grader Akiellea Gooden honored her Jamaican roots on stage in front of her Celentano School classmates by sharing a quotation from a Black political icon and historical Caribbean compatriot, Marcus Garvey: “A people without knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.”
Gooden shared that quotation Wednesday during a school assembly at Celentano Biotech, Health and Medical Magnet School.
The 400 Canner St. preK-to-eighth grade school concluded Black History Month with an hourlong celebration showcasing research, musical performances, and other work done by students like Gooden, who took the stage to reflect on the importance of learning Black history.
Second-graders Eric Davis and Sarai Diggs reading the poem, "Hey Black Child."
The Black History Month assembly was the first the school has had since 2020.
“We need to keep their [students’] confidence alive,” Celentano Assistant Principal Lisa Pietrosimone said.
Pietrosimone added that educators and school staff spent the month “validating and reminding students of their rich history” through class projects and work.
Kindergarten through sixth-grade students attended the Wednesday assembly in person while some of the seventh and eighth graders watched the assembly, that was broadcast via Zoom, from their classrooms.
Music teacher David Minnella spearheaded the organizing of the Wednesday assembly.
Minnella accompanied the student choir on piano for six singing performances. Two dozen choir students sang songs like Louis Armstrong’s “Go Down, Moses,” Cynthia Erivo’s “Stand Up,” and “Wade in the Water.”
In addition to doing research projects throughout the month, the school hosted a Black History STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math)-themed door decorating contest for students and staff.
The school’s classroom doors pictured the faces and legacies of Black figures like Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas and astronaut and physicist Ronald McNair.
Students described the Black trailblazers for being brave, chasing their dreams, and doing what was right.
Seventh-grader Kaylyn Quarcoo sharing Black History Month reflections.
Third-grader Debbie Mohamed reading Maya Angelou's "Caged Bird" poem.
Maya McFadden Photo
Eighth-grader Akiellea Gooden.
During student reflections, sixth through eighth grade students shared about research they did throughout the month.
Gooden spoke about Jamaican-born political activist Marcus Garvey, who she described as her personal inspiration and “favorite national hero.”
Gooden became president of Celentano’s student council this year after moving to New Haven from Jamaica in 2022.
“I learned about him while I was young,” she recalled about the early 20th century Black nationalist leader. “And now I am leading.”
In Jamaica Gooden was a prefect in her school and secretary for her school’s environmental club.
During the weeks leading up to the assembly, Gooden helped her younger peers and classmates overcome their stage fright so they could perform Wednesday.
Seventh-grader Kaylyn Quarcoo and sixth-grader Korrie Carney shared about the creation of Black History Month, which was once known as “Negro History Week.”
“Today we do not only celebrate the Black astronauts and scientists, we celebrate the Black businesses, arts, and literature that will influence the future,” Quarcoo said.
Despite the progress made since Black History Month was established, Carney said, “We still have a ways to go.”
Contributed
Lisa Pietrosimone.
At the conclusion of the assembly Pietrosimone thanked Celentano students and staff for organizing and bringing their courage and bravery to the stage Wednesday.
“Thank you for being yourselves,” she added.
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