Every year, Highfields celebrates Black History Month with inspirational speakers, off campus activities, and a Black History Month dinner.
All of the special programs are designed to inspire students to show them that no matter what their circumstance is in life, they still have the opportunity to turn their life around and do great things. Take a look at the speakers and activities students experienced this month:
- Guest speaker, Carlton Valentine, Basketball Training Development Coordinator at Sparrow Michigan Athletic Club and former Highfields Residential Counselor
- Guest speaker, Anthony Dirrell of Flint, World Super Middleweight Champion
- Off campus trip to a Detroit Pistons basketball game
- Off campus trip to a Michigan State University women’s basketball game
- Guest speaker, Kevin Snydor, Educational Psychologist
- Guest speaker Greta Mchaney Trice, retired Educator from the Lansing School District
- Guest speaker Lea Taylor, Retired, Volunteer at the African World Museum
- The Shabazz Academy dance crew performed on campus
- Off campus trip to the Wharton Center to see The One and Only Ivan and Regina Carter: Simply Ella
- Black History Month dinner prepared by Highfields’ staff and select students on campus
What were the students’ favorite activities this month? Read their answers below.
Scott enjoyed listening to Kevin Snydor. He said, “Mr. Snydor taught us how to engage in conversations effectively, and I liked how he presented to us.”
Walter said, “Ms. Taylor was my favorite speaker. She talked about black innovators who changed the world and it was really inspiring.”
Brendon liked the Black History Month dinner the most. "It was great to experience new foods from a different culture,” he said.
Preston said, “I enjoyed Ms. Mchaney Trice and Ms. Taylor because they were inspirational, funny, and taught me things I didn’t know about Black History Month.”
Jordan helped kitchen staff prepare for the Black History Month dinner. He said: “I helped contribute to every dish, so I was glad everyone enjoyed it. It was a fun day.”
Highfields would like to thank everyone who participated in Black History Month programs and activities. It’s something we look forward to every year.