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At KIPP Texas, we believe that understanding history is essential to unlocking the future. That’s why we’re proud to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Black History Month this February. This year, we are grounding our celebrations in the visionary words of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the “Father of Black History.” Dr. Woodson famously stated:
“Real education means to inspire people to live more abundantly, to learn to begin with life as they find it and make it better.”
Campuses in Action
From the hallways of Houston to the classrooms of Austin, San Antonio, and DFW, our campuses are bringing the theme “THE CULTURE: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future” to life. In our primary schools, history is an active pursuit. At KIPP Somos Primary, students engage in weekly challenges focused on changemakers and inventors to earn Community Dojo Points. Nearby, KIPP Esperanza and KIPP Un Mundo spotlight the vastness of the diaspora, including Afro-Latino heritage, through vibrant daily facts and decorations. This spirit of discovery extends to North Texas, where students at KIPP Truth and KIPP Pleasant Grove dive deep into the American narrative, using daily research to highlight the resilience and genius of Black pioneers.
The celebration of “the culture” is also a deeply communal experience. KIPP Nexus and KIPP Connect bridge the gap between the classroom and the community through their Black Business Expos, inviting local entrepreneurs into the building to show students that the legacy of innovation is a living, breathing reality. At KIPP Nexus, the hallways echo with “Black Music Monday” playlists featuring everything from Motown to Afrobeat. Meanwhile, at KIPP University Prep, Elizabeth Vega and Arturo Martinez lead daily historical facts over the announcements, complemented by lunchtime Poetry Slams where students recite the powerful words of Maya Angelou and Langston Hughes. This joy and expression culminate in events like the Mardi Gras Parade at KIPP Un Mundo, celebrating the deep African and Caribbean roots that have shaped our shared traditions.
Inspiring Futures
Beyond the classroom, we are ensuring that history serves as a springboard for the future. Across campuses like KIPP Camino, KIPP Somos Collegiate, and KIPP Alegria, our KIPP Forward teams are highlighting the legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and historically Black fraternities and sororities to help students see a clear path to leadership. At KIPP Legacy, KIPP Mosaic, KIPP Obras, and KIPP Paseo, students participate in spirit weeks that encourage them to dress as historical figures or wear African-inspired prints, showing solidarity and pride in their identity.
Whether it is Black Inventors Day at KIPP Nexus or the daily music spotlights at KIPP University Prep, KIPP Texas is building a community that honors our students, as we empower our Little KIPPsters to become the authors of the next century.
