The students, faculty, and family of St. Pius X Academy celebrated Black History Month on Friday, Feb. 27, in the St. Pius X gym. Father John Raphael, pastor of Christ the King Church, has the students stand up in front of the gym and tell the guests which historic African American figures they dressed up as. Photo by Steven Boero.
St. Pius X Classical Academy’s students, staff, and families celebrated Black History Month with a festive day of class presentations, food, music, and more on Friday, Feb. 27, in the school gymnasium.
The St. Pius X community came together to enjoy a potluck meal, a talk from guest speaker Father John Raphael, pastor of Christ the King Church, and presentations by each grade. Many students dressed up as famous or historical African Americans, such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., George Washington Carver, Aretha Franklin, Simone Biles, Barack Obama, and more.
“The first-ever Black History Day celebration at St. Pius was a joyful and unifying moment for the entire St. Pius community,” said Dr. Shana DeSouza Druffner, superintendent of Catholic schools. “One of my favorite parts was watching the faces of proud parents as their children stepped on to the stage to share what they had learned.”
.jpg)
Parents and faculty share dishes for a potluck during St. Pius X’s Black History Month celebration on Feb. 27. Photo by Steven Boero
In his address to the students, Father Raphael said that the notable figures were worthy to look up to because their hard work and dedication made a difference in the world in their various fields, from the Civil Rights Movement and the Office of the President of the United States to inventors, musicians, and Olympic champions.
“Every single one of us was created by God in His image and likeness, which means God has given every single one of you the ability to make a difference in the world, just like the people who you represented made a difference in the world,” said Father Raphael.
“All throughout my life, I’ve kept my mind as sharp as possible, and my body still does what I ask it to do most of the time, and that enables me to come here to be with you and to tell you guys what a wonderful group of young people you are,” continued Father Raphael. “What a wonderful gift you have here in St. Pius X Academy, because not only do you get to learn to read and to write and to do mathematics and all of those things, but you get to go to a Catholic school, and you get to learn about God. You get to learn about His Son, Jesus. You get to learn about all of the things that God has asked you to do in your life. So it’s important for you right now to realize God has a plan for each and every one of you.”
.jpg)
Students, parents, and faculty join for a dance during St. Pius X’s Black History Month celebration on Feb. 27. Photo by Steven Boero
Following Father Raphael’s talk, each grade hosted presentations on the historical figures they learned about and the different achievements that have been made in the African American community, both throughout the nation and in Nashville. To close the day’s events, the St. Pius cheerleaders performed a cheer routine for the attendees and local musician, Baba Musam, performed traditional African songs.
“Events like this matter because they bring people together,” said Dr. Druffner. “Catholic schools are communities of faith, and this celebration made that beautifully clear. From the parents who prepared a spectacular potluck, to the students who dressed up and presented, to the teachers who guided them along the way, we witnessed a community united in faith, love, and service. Black History Day was not only an educational experience, it was an inspiration, encouraging our students to strive for greatness.”
.jpg)
The St. Pius X Academy cheerleaders perform for students and guests at the school’s Black History Month on Feb. 27. Photo by Steven Boero
