LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, NJ – On February 13, McManus Middle School transformed into a living tribute to Black excellence as students stepped into the shoes of historical icons, bringing their legacies to life.
Thanks to the support of the Linden Education Association (LEA) and the dedicated leadership of Mickeala Bland, this unforgettable Black History Month event was a vibrant celebration of culture, creativity, and community—fueled by the passion of our students.
𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲
From powerful poetry to compelling reenactments, students took center stage to embody legendary African Americans who changed the world. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, event hosts prepped an exciting audience trivia challenge, inviting the community to engage, participate, and test their Black History Month knowledge in a fun and interactive way.
𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗰, 𝗠𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 & 𝗠𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗰
The night kicked off with a mesmerizing performance by Mr. Sherman’s Select Choir, setting the tone for an evening full of surprises. But one of the most unforgettable moments? A spontaneous singalong by four students while waiting for special guests—what started as an impromptu tune quickly became a full audience participation moment, turning a simple wait into a shared celebration of music and unity.
𝐀 𝐑𝐮𝐧𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞
With poise and pride, students strutted across the stage in outfits inspired by Black history, culture, and personal expression. Each step was a powerful statement, showcasing the resilience, creativity, and strength that define Black heritage.
𝗔 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿
The night reached its peak with a dynamic performance from Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Inc. at Caldwell University, delivering a high-energy show that had the audience on their feet. Their presence served as a powerful reminder that Black history isn’t just something we remember—it’s something we live, every day.
𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆, 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆
McManus Middle School didn’t just observe Black History Month—they embodied it. Congratulations to every student, staff member, and community member who helped bring this event to life. While Black History Month may be just one month, our commitment to honoring, uplifting, and celebrating Black voices continues—all year long.