GERSTELL ACADEMY
LEADERSHIP • HONOR • COURAGE
LEADERSHIP • HONOR • COURAGE
Gerstell Academy Celebrates Black History Month!
On Wednesday, February 19th, Gerstell Academy hosted a school wide celebration acknowledging contributions from the African American community. The assembly opened with the lower school singing of the National Anthem led by Ms. Jenna Daly, Chair of the Performing Arts department. The hour-long presentation was introduced and emceed by middle and upper school students. The event featured guest speaker and storyteller Ms. Griot Edna Williams who shared the history and contributions of African Americans in the work force.
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The Carter G. Woodson Foundation theme for 2025 is African American’s Contributions in Labor and the assembly covered topics such as the Pullman strike, and the contributions of A. Philip Randolph among others. The theme focuses on the significant contributions and experiences of Black workers across various sectors throughout history highlighting the intersection of work and the shared Black experience. Ms. Williams opened with “The Story of Grace Wisher” a free African American woman who was indentured as a child to the famous Star-Spangled Banner flag seamstress, Mary Pickersgill . As an African American living in the early 19th century, Grace’s story remains mostly unknown, but it is widely accepted that she helped to create the famous flag. Her role was as significant as those who are often cited by the historical record.
Senior Jordan Blackburn also performed “Lift Every Voice and Sing” which is known as “The Black National Anthem.”
This inspiring assembly brought the Gerstell community together to pay homage to African Americans and their contributions to the work force throughout history.
2500 Old Westminster Pike
Finksburg, MD 21048-1823
410-861-3000
1-866-861-3300
Finksburg, MD 21048-1823
410-861-3000
1-866-861-3300
