From research to reflection: students celebrate Black history

At Marvin Ridge Middle School sixth graders had an opportunity to connect literature, research and real-world impact during Black History Month.

As part of an advanced language arts unit, sixth grade teacher Jill Smith paired her class novel study of Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry with an in-depth Black History Month research project. Each student selected an influential African American to study, focusing on that individual’s accomplishments and lasting contributions, not only within the Black community, but across the nation and beyond.

“I think it’s important to highlight people who have impacted the United States, whether in science, the arts, sports, or public service,” Smith said. “Students can see themselves in these people. They realize that anyone, like them or different from them, can inspire great things.”

Students were given a curated list of notable figures and encouraged to choose someone who sparked their interest. The only rule was no duplicates. With backup lists ready, they dove into research, gathering facts, exploring historical context, and designing creative posters that now line the hallway outside their classroom.

Sixth grader Nora Maduako chose Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a leader she has admired since she was younger.

“I learned that it wasn’t just him, there were a lot of people who wanted to make a change,” Nora said. “I was also struck by the size of the crowds that gathered to hear him speak. I thought it was just a small group, but it was really big.”

Charlie Pastor selected Lieutenant Colonel Charity Adams Earley, the highest-ranking African American woman officer of World War II. After discovering that Adams led the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the only all-Black, all-female unit deployed overseas, Charlie explored additional resources to learn more.

“I was very inspired by her work for the military,” Charlie said. “She showed that women, especially Black women, could serve and do amazing things.”

Kartik Kumar researched Malcolm X, examining both his early life and his evolution as a leader.

“I found it interesting how his ideas changed over time,” Kartik said. “He worked hard and was dedicated to standing up for what he believed in.”

As students viewed one another’s finished projects, learning continued. Several mentioned being intrigued by classmates’ research on figures such as Jesse Owens, Simone Biles, and Bessie Coleman, names that sparked new curiosity and conversation.

“It’s important to learn about other people,” Nora said. “If you only focus on your own culture, you don’t get to see who’s around you. Understanding others helps you avoid judgment.”

Charlie added that studying history helps explain how the country has grown and how individuals have worked to overcome challenges. “It explains step by step what struggles people faced and what they had to do to get through it,” he said.

For Kartik, the project was about perspective and empathy.

“We can look at other people’s struggles and try to relate to them,” he said. “We can take a step in their shoes and see what they’re going through.”

Hearing those reflections is one of the most rewarding parts of the experience for Smith.

“It makes me proud that in sixth grade, they can step outside of themselves and see the impact others have made on our world,” Smith said. “It shows them that anybody can make a difference.”

In this classroom, Black History Month became more than a lesson, it became a meaningful exploration of leadership, perseverance and the power of learning from one another.