Compton Unified School District
501 South Santa Fe Avenue
Compton, California 90221
Ron T. Suazo
Office of Communications
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 5, 2013
McKinley and King Elementary Schools’ African-American History
Programs Highlight Civil Rights Struggle & Social Advancements
Bringing History to Life — A Compton Unified School District (CUSD) McKinley Elementary School student portrays African-American heroine Harriet Tubman, Thursday, February 28, during her school’s Black History program.
Marching for Peace — Compton Unified School District (CUSD) King Elementary School second grade students channel the spirit of the 1960’s civil rights movement, Thursday, February 28, with a peace march during their school’s African-American History program in the Mona Park gymnasium, 2291 E. 121st St.
COMPTON, Calif., — The achievements of civil rights leaders including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. were celebrated, Thursday, February 28 during African-American History programs at two Compton Unified School District (CUSD) elementary schools.
At McKinley Elementary School, 14431 S. Stanford Ave., students performed traditional African dance routines and highlighted the accomplishments of Harriet Tubman, President Barack Obama, Diana Ross, and even paid tribute to CUSD Superintendent Darin Brawley.
Principal Fredericka Brown, Ed.D. said her students worked hard to bring many of African-American History’s most important figures to life. “It was a wonderful program that mixed art and history together in a way that resonated with the many parents in the audience, and hopefully within the students themselves,” she said. “McKinley takes pride in celebrating the contributions of people from all walks of life. It helps strengthen our common bonds.”
King Elementary School’s event, held at the Mona Park gymnasium, 2291 E. 121st St., featured civil rights era songs, a march for peace, African dance routines, and several depictions of historical figures including boxer Muhammad Ali, and poetry readings.
Principal Stephanie Richardson praised her school’s community for supporting King students as they commemorated the struggles and achievements of African-Americans. “Our students and teachers worked hard to put on a wonderful program that paid tribute to the rich traditions and history of African-Americans,” she noted. “This event is very important because it is our school’s opportunity to honor the legacy of its namesake, Dr. King, and all those who carried on his good work.”
Additional information may be obtained by contacting CUSD’s Office of Communications at (310) 604-6529 or by visiting www.compton.k12.ca.us.
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