Excel Academy of Englewood celebrates Black History Month with culture, inspirational speakers and entertainment

Excel Academy of Englewood celebrates Black History Month with culture, inspirational speakers, and entertainment

Students and staff at the Excel Academy of Englewood, part of the Chicago Public Schools’ Options Network, commemorated Black History Month with several special events. Throughout February, students took in presentations, performances, and discussions led by entrepreneurs, activists, and local community organizations, including: Muntu Dance Theater, African American Cultural Heritage Collection (AACHC), Chairman Fred Hampton Jr., and the Black Fire Brigade.

“It was a special time put together by our amazing staff,” said Mr. Ricardo Waddy, Excel Academy of Englewood director of programming and careers. “We are so thankful to all who came out and shared their experiences with our students.”

Excel kicked off BHM with a performance from the Chicago-based Muntu Dance Theatre. The group performed authentic and progressive interpretations of traditional and contemporary African and African American dance, drumming, and folklore for the students. A colorful and dynamic company, Muntu brought the staff and students out of their seats to join in the positive form of self-expression.

Excel also welcomed the African American Cultural Heritage Collection, an extensive representation of African Americans’ rich history in America, providing an opportunity for students to learn more about important contributions Black people have made to our country. The five exhibits contained original artifacts from Annie Malone, Malcolm X, the Black Panther Party, Marcus Garvey, and Emmett Till. Students from Excel Roseland, Excel South Shore, and Excel Southwest also had the opportunity to view the collection.

Actress Ta’Rhonda Jones, best known for her role on the television show “Empire,” brought her star power to school. A Chicago native, Jones grew up just a few blocks from Excel Academy of Englewood. She shared personal anecdotes about her early years in Englewood and working at a local meat shop as a butcher before landing her role as Porsha Taylor on “Empire.”