RESERVE — Fifth Ward Elementary School students participated in lessons, daily announcements, poem readings, creative writings and quizzes about famous African-Americans and their contributions to history.

Middle school students in the DuPont Mentoring Program also were invited to participate in the DuPont/Denka Black History Month Annual Celebration. To close out the month of celebration, a Black History Music Program was coordinated by Rebecca Holmes, Fifth Ward’s music teacher.

“As the music teacher of all students at Fifth Ward Elementary School, I must admit, that of all the many performances my students have participated in during more than a decade of my career, this performance made me the proudest,” Holmes said.

“From our youngest students to our oldest, our Panthers are thoughtful, spirited musicians with unique perspectives, capable of achieving even the highest of personal and community goals.”

LaPlace Elementary School students acted out historical figures such as Rosa Parks by Skai Miller, Malcolm X by Leroy Sanders, Mahalia Jackson by Ronkeya Kelly, Martin Luther King by Odell Wells, President Obama by Jordan Stipe, Garrett Morgan by Taj Ray, Madam Walker by Enrie Franklin, Jackie Roberston by Jayde Brown and Mae Carol Jemisen by Alexis Jones. Maghan Eugene performed a Liturgical dance.

St. John Success Academy students built models of items invented by African-Americans. Students also built upon Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech by building mobiles based on their dreams and came up with their own two-minute speech.

John L. Ory Communication Arts Magnet School participated in the 28th Annual National African American Read-In when invited readers engaged the students in lessons and dialogue from kindergarten through eighth grades creating a positive and enriching atmosphere about the rich heritage of American-Americans and their contributions to America.