Katherine Dunham - The HistoryMakers

The HistoryMakers events
Meet The HistoryMakers: A Day of Education
Meet The HistoryMakers: A Day of Education in Chicago
was held on Thursday, February 23, 2006 at the Merit
School of Music’s brand new state-of-the-art facility. The theme
of the day was classical music. The HistoryMakers’ Executive
Director Julieanna Richardson, gave opening remarks welcoming
students, teachers, HistoryMakers and guests. Guest speakers
Chicago
During the lunch session,
participants gathered in
two separate rooms to
hear performances by
The Sugarstrings, a
young African American
classical music group,
and Rodney Stapleton,
a classically trained
baritone from Ravinia.
W.H. Brown Math & Science Academy
teacher Sharon Ponder.
Other guests were Lyric Opera performers Jessica Usherwood
and Khary Laurent.
included Chicago Public Schools CEO Arne Duncan; Merit
School of Music Executive Director Duffie Adelson, Manager of
Social Studies Phyllis Henry; and a special inspirational spoken
word performance by W.H. Brown Math and Science Academy 8 th
grade teacher Sharon Ponder.
Over 350 Chicago Public School students and teachers participated.
Panel topics included business, dance, law, public service, music
and the media. Students and teachers alike learned of the many
roads to success.
Top: The Sugarstrings. Above: Mildred Cruzat shares dancing exercises
with students. Right: Duffie Adelson and Chicago Public Schools CEO, Arne
Duncan.
Throughout the day, WVON Radio broadcasted live with host
Cliff Kelley. A host of HistoryMakers, Chicago journalists,
performers, students and teachers were interviewed.
“This session helped me understand what I want to do in life…I
can never give up and [must] always keep my eyes on my goals…
and [I can’t let] anyone bring [me] down.” – Antoinette Ivy, 8 th
grade Student, DuSable Leadership Academy
“I really enjoyed seeing African Americans who helped me see who
I can be and who I want to become. This was very inspirational”
– Alison Edwards, Student, Lincoln Park High School
Participating schools:
Lincoln Park High School
DuSable Leadership Academy
Gage Park High School
Christian Fenger Academy
Robeson High School
W.H. Brown Math and Science Academy.
PAGE 16 SPRING 2006 THE HISTORYMAKERS