Last Friday, February 26, was "Go Texan Day" to mark the beginning of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo season. But it also was a day when PreK through second grade students from East Campus celebrated Black History Month.
More than 250 students gathered in the cafeteria and, one by one, many read about the accomplishments of notable African American people and inventors who put their stamp on American society and culture.
In one kindergarten class, each student announced his or her name and the name of the teacher. Then they read a short script: "My class and I will give you a glimpse at the often-unaccredited contributions of some African American inventions and how they shaped our modern day society."
Among those honored were James S. Adams, who in 1920 issued a patent for airplane propelling; A.P. Ashourne, who created the biscuit cutter; L.C. Bailey, who created the folding bed and James A. Bauer, who created the coin changer. There were many more.
Varnett staff members did their part in leading the students in the singing of "Lift Every Voice and Sing," often referred to as the Black National Anthem.
Photos and video by Meghan Lede