Local News
Author’s Visit A Highlight Of Black History Month
Published: March 1, 2012
DECATUR—St. Thomas More School, Decatur, celebrated Black History Month during the month of February. This year’s theme was “STM—Embracing Diversity.”
Some of the events that took place during the celebratory month included a dance presentation by the DeKalb School of the Arts, a performance by the Amazing Grace Liturgical Dancers from Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Atlanta, a talk by minister and author Herman “Skip” Mason regarding his experience at the unveiling of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial in Washington, D.C., last October and a visit by author and playwright Pearl Cleage.
Pearl Cleage, center, sitting, poses with a group of fourth-graders during her visit to St. Thomas More School, Decatur. Cleage was one of the invitees for the school’s 2012 celebration of Black History Month. (Photos by Michael Alexander)
Cleage did a reading of her 2005 poem “We Speak Your Names.” The poem is a tribute to a select group of African-American women mentors and role models who have exemplified accomplishment. After her reading, a video tribute to Cleage based on the poem, featuring St. Thomas More seventh-grade students, was presented for all to see.
Author and playwright Pearl Cleage was one of the special guests to visit St. Thomas More School, Decatur, during its celebration of Black History Month. Cleage did a reading of her 2005 poem “We Speak Your Names.”
Cleage also took questions from students. When asked what she would like young people to do today to make a positive change in the world, she said, “Study really hard, find something that you’re passionate about and be involved in the life of your country.”
