Honoring Heritage, Building Futures: Celebrating Black History Month Through Sustained Action

February marks the start of Black History Month, a time for our district to celebrate the contributions of Black and African American individuals to our community and our country. At Corvallis School District, we believe that honoring history requires a commitment to the future.

While this month provides a special opportunity for celebration and reflection, our work to narrow opportunity gaps and foster a deep sense of belonging for Black students is a year-round priority. Central to this effort is our role as one of only 17 statewide recipients of the African American and Black Student Success (AABSS) grant from the Oregon Department of Education.

Our work through this grant is focused on three primary areas of student and family success:

1. Cultivating Leadership and Confidence

We are committed to providing spaces where Black students can see themselves as leaders and innovators. Through mentorship, affinity groups, and college-readiness tours at Oregon State University, we are helping students build the confidence to navigate their educational journeys. As our students have shared:

“I think that it had impacted me as a leader by putting me in a space where there are other people like me around, and that really boosted my confidence.”

“I think it has really helped me to find my leadership skills because before this, I did not know that I could lead and manage things, but now I know I am capable.”

2. Strengthening Our Community of Care

Authentic success happens when families and schools work in partnership. Our community dinners, parent groups, and workshops offer more than just a meal; they are intentional spaces for connection and feedback. By sharing stories and history, we build a “community of care” that supports the whole child. One parent recently noted:

“We are so grateful for these events! The events were very meaningful for my son and our family.”

3. Academic Excellence and Culturally Responsive Learning

The grant allows us to invest directly in the classroom. This includes expanding access to culturally representative literature, such as Spanish-language books featuring Black Latino characters, and providing educators with professional development in culturally responsive teaching. These tools ensure that our curriculum reflects the diverse world our students live in.

A Collaborative Path Forward

We are proud to work on this grant alongside organizations that hold a shared vision for student excellence:

• African American Youth Leadership Conference
• KinCultivate
• Linn Benton NAACP
• Lebanon School District
• Greater Albany School District
• Philomath School District