Erie High School
At Erie High, Black History Month is a time to celebrate culture, recognize contributions, and create space for meaningful learning. Erie High Community School Director, Bryan Barton, shared some of the ways the school is engaging students this month, including a hands-on “STEAM Walking Museum.”
The walking museum highlights Black historical and modern-day figures who have made significant contributions in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math. What makes it especially meaningful at Erie High is how closely it connects to the school’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.
“At Erie High, we specifically highlight innovators in trades that mirror our own programs like Engineering, Medical Sciences, and Programming, giving our CTE students real-world historical and modern-day figures they can look up to as role models,” Bryan shared.
By connecting these stories to students’ own interests and career pathways, the goal goes beyond learning facts. It’s about helping students see themselves reflected in history, and reminding them that their goals and ideas matter.
Grover Cleveland
At Grover Cleveland, Black History Month is also being celebrated in a way that feels personal and relatable. Through a series called “Snack and Chat,” students are invited to sit down with local community leaders for informal conversations. These gatherings create space for students to hear directly from individuals who are making a difference right here in our community.
Snack and Chat has also welcomed a diverse group of local leaders who bring a wide range of perspectives and experiences to the table.
Guests have included Christine Rush, the first Black woman Magisterial District Judge; Cathyrn Easterling, Director of Neighborhood and Economic Development for the City of Erie; Selena King, Northwest Pennsylvania Regional Representative for U.S. Senator John Fetterman; Ashley Bell, journalist with Erie News Now; and Ken Nickson, Access, Opportunity, and Special Programs Coordinator with Erie’s Public Schools.
Many of the speakers are Erie natives and graduates of Erie Public Schools, offering students real-life examples of what’s possible when you work hard, stay committed, and believe in yourself.
"I want students to take away that no matter where they come from or what they are going through, there are no limits to who they can become. Their goals are within reach with the right mind frame and work ethic." -Sharnae Dunston, Grover Cleveland Community School Director.
Together, these efforts reflect what Black History Month is truly about: honoring the past, celebrating the present, and inspiring the future.