Students honor Black History Month at Edmund W. Miles Middle School
Students and teachers at Edmund W. Miles Middle School in Amityville came together on March 5 for the school’s annual Black History Month celebration.
Held in the school gymnasium. The event brought together district administrators, parents, faculty and staff to honor the legacy, achievements and cultural contributions recognized during Black History Month. Emceed by Mrs. Byrd, the program featured a variety of performances including music, dancing, poetry, athletics, and science, highlighting historical reflection, educational breakthroughs, and artistic expression from students and staff. Edmund W. Miles’ Dance and Step Team performed several energetic routines celebrating the influence of Black music and culture. Additional performances from students and educators paid tribute to the national observance marking 100 years of Black History Month.
Edmund W. Miles Principal Ms. Rose Hutcherson addressed students during the celebration, emphasizing the importance of understanding history as a living part of everyday life.
“Black history is not just about the past, it’s about the present and the future,” Ms. Hutcherson said. “It’s about lessons we've learned, the respect we show, and the way we grow as individuals and as a community.”
She also reminded students of the lasting contributions Black Americans have made across many fields.
“For more than a century, Black Americans have shaped our world,” Ms. Hutcherson said. “They have fought for civil rights, they built communities, they created art and music that changed culture, they advanced science and medicine, they dreamed of a better tomorrow and worked to make it real.”
Encouraging students to see themselves as part of that legacy, Ms. Hutcherson continued: “You are part of that story. History is not something distant. It's alive in the choices we make today. It's the kindness we show. It's the respect we give. It is the way we treat one another. Wisdom is something we get to cherish, knowledge is something we get to pursue, and character is something we get to build.”
Ms. Hutcherson concluded by challenging students to carry those lessons forward.
“Black history teaches us that every voice matters,” she said. “It teaches us that progress is possible. It teaches us that ordinary people can do extraordinary things, and that means you. As part of your story of strength, creativity, and achievement, you are part of the community. You are part of a future that is still being written. So today, I challenge you to be curious, learn, ask questions, listen, be inspired by the stories of those who came before us.”
Throughout the event, students and educators in the audience were encouraged to sing and dance along with the performances, helping to create a warm, welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for everyone in attendance. The annual celebration is part of Edmund W. Miles’ continued commitment to honoring cultural history while providing students opportunities to express creativity, learn from one another and celebrate diversity within the school community.
