Black History Month Includes Special Programming and Events

Austin Prep celebrates Black History Month in February with a series of educational, extracurricular, and schoolwide events organized around the school’s yearlong theme of "Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out" and is embedded in our Augustinian heritage and Catholic tradition. The theme was inspired by Proverbs 10:9 and guides us in our yearlong planning across multiple departments. 

The Office of Mission and Inclusion draws heavily upon this theme to acknowledge the legacy of St. Augustine. Programming for Black History Month underscores the core value of caritas as it has been expressed throughout the lives of scholars, artists, inventors, politicians, and religious faithful spread throughout the African diaspora. Although we highlight the events planned for Black History Month, our commitment is continuous and not confined to a single month. Rather, our approach is infused with our strategic efforts to augment the core values of veritas, unitas and caritas as expressed by an Augustinian school. 

We highlight our ongoing commitment to fostering respect for all people in our celebration of Black History Month. Led by Dr. Bill Driscoll, Dean of Faculty, and Mr. Jaycob Morales, Coordinator of Inclusion and Community Engagement, Austin Prep has planned numerous activities and presentations for staff and students throughout the month of February to honor the achievements of Black Americans and their contributions to our country and world.  In addition to the special activities planned for Black History Month, we look forward to highlighting in various outlets the many year-round components of our curriculum which guide us towards the overarching objective to form graduates who are lifelong learners, passionate global citizens, curious collaborative scholars, and compassionate servants.

Highlights of our programming include the celebration of a Peace and Justice liturgy, the sharing of daily inspirational quotes, academic projects in the arts and sciences, trivia contests and interactive activities during advisory, a field trip for interested students to the Museum of African American History in Boston, indulging in three different cuisines by African / Black American Chefs inspired meals created by Sage Dining, a celebration with the Daughters of Mary that includes learning about their culture and experiences. Additionally, there will be a Middle and Upper School afternoon movie, virtual tours of museums with a focus on the impact of Black Americans on the history of the United States, the return of Alumni Conversations hosted by the Office of Alumni Relations, and the Library will offer a display of biographies, poetry and novels featuring Black Americans.