Clairton 13-year school tradition continues to grow

Retired Clairton kindergarten teacher Bloneva Wiggins is glad to see her district continuing a tradition of a Black History Month celebration.

"It has grown tremendously," Wiggins said following Thursday afternoon's program in the high school auditorium.

Wiggins began the district's annual event of honoring the contributions of African Americans and their culture 13 years ago within the school's classrooms.

It has evolved into a full-scale production with contributions from parents, kindergartners, teachers, and an elementary chorus.

Kindergarten teacher Nina Ohm led students in West African chants, a healing dance and a "walk through Africa" with items the children made.

Ohm said students learned about cultural icons and black leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, George Washington Carver and President Barack Obama.

Elementary music teacher Kevin Danchik led the chorus in using traditional African instruments like bongo drums, box drums, shakers and songs such as "I Shall Sing" and "Take Time in Life."

Teachers also dressed in traditional African garb.

"It was fun because we got to play the drums," said fifth-grader Celina Maselli, 11.

Seventh-grader Daniel Cummings, 12, said he likes being in the chorus with friends, and they practiced the songs every day.

Kindergartner Josiah Morrison, 6, was celebrating his birthday Thursday. He said he learned Martin Luther King Jr. was a great leader and preacher, and it was fun performing with his classmates.

Josiah's mother Jessica Ferrero called the celebration very creative. "I think the opportunity for them to come together is wonderful. It's bringing the community together, which is something we really need around here.

"All the parents come and show their support. I think the school's doing a wonderful job of really trying to change it around and put a lot more effort into the children. They have a lot of events for us to participate in. I'm very grateful that I'm able to participate and come to such wonderful events like this."

"I think they did a great job," Ohm said. "We've been practicing our songs and our dances all month. This is just a great combination to everything we've been learning and doing with Black History Month."

Ohm, who has been a part of the February program for the past 11 years, said educating the young students about the impact African Americans had and continue to have on the nation is exciting.

"You don't think they really know or get it, but they do," she said. "The like learning about the different people."

"I think it's very important because we get to learn about other cultures," Celina said.

Attendees went to the cafeteria after the program to feast on delights prepared by parents and volunteers.

Wiggins said she would like to see more parent participation when it comes to the feast.

"We don't all cook the same way. We don't all eat the same way," Wiggins said.

The district's Black History Month appreciation continues Friday in the high school when students will participate in a web conference with Tuskegee Airmen.