In honor of African American Achievement, Ikego Elementary School, hosted their 2nd Annual Black History Month Assembly on Friday, February 22nd. In attendance, Community Superintendent Ms. Outen, Sullivan’s Elementary School Assistant Principal Ms. Waheed and keynote speaker Dr. Jerilyn Packer. Prior to entering the assembly, parents and students alike were able to interact with Mrs. McCants 4th grade Living Museum. Student characters ranged from civil rights activists Sidney Portier Muhammad Ali and Rosa Parks to ballet trailblazer Misty Copeland.

Dr. Catherine Yurica, welcomed everyone to the assembly and provided those in attendance with a brief history about the creation of Black History Month and the importance of recognizing the many achievements of African Americans that have contributed to the fabric of America’s history. The audience was treated to a soulful performance by The Voices with their rendition of “Lift Every Voice” and “We Shall Overcome”.

Ikego Student Ambassadors (I.S.A) a breaking news with I.S.A News Hour – Black History Month edition. The ambassadors created a ten minute newscast that highlighted the significance of having a dream with an excerpt of Martin Luther King, Jr’s iconic speech, reported on the craze civil rights knowledge candy and a montage of interviewed faculty and students answering, “What does black history mean to you?”

To close the assembly, Dr. Jerilyn Packer DoDEA ISS, delivered a very emotional and powerful tale of her mother’s journey to overcome obstacles during the Jim Crow era segregation that suppressed educational achievement and limited the economic prosperity of African-American women. Dr. Packer’s recounting of her grandmothers message that “anyone can do anything” further strengthened the message of making hard choices and continuing to persevere over societal setbacks, has far reaching influence on future generations. Dr. Packer credited her mother’s choice to impact change in her community through education and perseverance as the reason for her personal success in her own life.