COLUMBUS, Ohio — Students across the state of Ohio are celebrating and honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in various ways, including those at one school in Columbus.
What You Need To Know
- A core curriculum is taught all year long and is used as a building block leading up to the holiday
- Performances through the arts at Columbus Africentric Early College are ways the school brings text in books to life
- Educators work to inspire students from the beginning using concepts among other things King promoted
Elementary school students at Columbus Africentric Early College have spent much of the year learning about the history of Black people from ancient civilizations to the Harlem Renaissance and more.
While they are learning about history, everything they’ve been learning about is centered around harmony, truth and justice, which are all things King promoted. Educators at the school said these are building blocks for students that lead them up to such a day of celebration, which helps them to see that what they are doing through dance, poetry, speeches and song goes well beyond the day on the calendar.
“Martin Luther King Jr. was a leader, so our students are inspired from day one," Principal Carmen Turner said.
That’s also because they teach them to listen to learn, excel in every area, attend every day and demonstrate respect. Keeping that in mind, she noted that it allows students to see themselves through him. Whether it’s a student or a teacher that did not live during the time of King, those who oversee the curriculum make it a point to help everyone learn so that they can have some sort of understanding and connection to him, while honoring him. Roma Johnson, primary literacy specialist, said all of this allows “the students to have a sense of pride. They're knowledgeable” and “they get excited and families get excited.”