The internet is full of fleeting trends, but Khadesia Latimer’s Black History Month bulletin boards have proven to be anything but. This isn’t just about decorating a hallway; it’s about sparking conversation, fostering understanding, and reminding students that Black history is not confined to a single month, but a continuous narrative of achievement and resilience. Let’s delve into the process, the impact, and the ripple effect of this remarkable teacher’s project.
The surge in interest in incorporating Black history into school curricula is a significant shift, and Latimer’s bulletin boards represent a tangible, engaging way to facilitate that learning. Decades of activism, fueled by the Civil Rights Movement and subsequent social justice movements, have pushed for a more accurate and comprehensive portrayal of American history – one that centers the contributions and experiences of Black Americans. Before Latimer’s viral post, many classrooms relied on limited or stereotypical representations of Black history. Now, educators are actively seeking ways to move beyond the traditional textbook narrative and provide students with a richer, more nuanced understanding of the past. Latimer’s project exemplifies this effort, transforming a seemingly simple classroom decoration into a powerful educational tool. The success of her project underscores a growing recognition that representation matters – not just in the curriculum, but in the physical spaces where students learn and grow.
The Genesis of a Viral Idea: Kaitlyn Edington and the Spark of Inspiration
Latimer’s journey began not with a grand vision, but with a quiet observation and a spark of inspiration. She credits Kaitlyn Edington, a former elementary school teacher, as the initial catalyst for her project. “I was originally inspired by Kaitlyn Edington many years ago when she did a bulletin board of portraits of Black artists!” Latimer explains. Edington’s bulletin board, featuring prominent Black artists from various eras, served as a foundation for Latimer’s own work. This illustrates a crucial point: inspiration can come from unexpected places. It’s not always about inventing something entirely new; often, it’s about building upon existing ideas and adapting them to your own context and vision. Latimer’s decision to revisit Edington’s concept demonstrates a commitment to honoring the work of her predecessors and continuing a tradition of celebrating Black artistry and achievement within the educational space. The architectural height of the board, around 6 feet, is a standard size that allows it to be easily viewed by all students, a detail that contributes to its impact.
Building the Board: A Step-by-Step Process
Latimer’s process wasn’t simply about slapping some portraits onto a board. It’s a deliberate and thoughtful undertaking, involving several key steps. She begins with projecting a photo – often a high-resolution image sourced from the internet or a library – onto a large surface. This allows her to accurately capture the subject’s likeness and proportions. “I’m really meticulous about the details,” she says. “I want the portraits to be as accurate as possible.” Next comes the sketching phase, where she translates the projected image into a hand-drawn outline. This crucial step requires patience and artistic skill, allowing her to refine the composition and capture the subject’s essence. Following the sketch, she carefully outlines the portrait with a fine-tipped marker, adding depth and definition to the image. Then comes the color, where she applies a range of colored pencils and markers to bring the portrait to life. Finally, the artwork is laminated for durability—a critical factor in a classroom setting where the bulletin board will be exposed to frequent handling and potential damage. The entire process, from initial projection to final lamination, can take anywhere from 10 to 20 hours, depending on the complexity of the portrait and the level of detail. The careful craftsmanship involved in each step highlights the time and dedication that Latimer invests in her project.
A Roster of Remarkable Figures: From Gorman to Ashe
The initial bulletin board featured a diverse group of Black leaders, each representing a unique field and era. Amanda Gorman, the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history, was a prominent addition, symbolizing the power of words and the importance of artistic expression. Mae Jemison, the first African American woman to travel to space, embodied the achievements possible through STEM fields. Katherine Johnson, a brilliant mathematician who played a critical role in NASA’s early space missions, demonstrated the significance of mathematical prowess in scientific advancement. Ryan Coogler, the acclaimed filmmaker and producer known for his work on Black Panther, highlighted the contributions of Black creatives in the entertainment industry. Later additions included Bessie Coleman, the pioneering aviator who broke racial barriers in aviation, Kobe Bryant, a legendary basketball player and philanthropist, and Arthur Ashe, the first Black man to win Wimbledon singles. Each figure was carefully selected to represent a breadth of Black achievements, spanning art, science, sports, and activism. The deliberate selection reflects a conscious effort to showcase the multifaceted nature of Black history and to inspire students with a diverse range of role models.
Student Feedback and Collaborative Creation
Latimer’s students aren’t just passive observers of her artwork; they’re active participants in the creation process. “They’re also pretty critical too because [they’ll say], ‘Oh, that doesn’t look like so and so! You should have done this, or you should have done that,’ which is funny,” she shares. This feedback is invaluable, prompting her to refine her drawings and ensure accuracy. The willingness of students to offer constructive criticism demonstrates a level of engagement and investment in the project. Latimer’s approach to incorporating student feedback highlights the importance of collaborative learning and creating a classroom environment where students feel empowered to express their opinions and contribute to the curriculum. Her willingness to revise her work based on student input underscores a commitment to student-centered learning and a recognition that learning is a dynamic process.
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Expanding the Horizons: Alma Thomas and the Importance of Contemporary Figures
Adding Alma Thomas to the board represents a deliberate choice to expand the scope of Black history beyond traditional figures. Thomas, a self-taught artist who created abstract expressionist paintings, often went unrecognized during her lifetime. Her inclusion serves as a reminder that Black history is not just about the famous and celebrated; it’s also about the unsung heroes and overlooked innovators. Currently, Latimer is working on a portrait of Alma Thomas, which she’s integrating into her third-grade curriculum. This demonstrates a commitment to connecting the artwork to the broader learning experience and providing students with a deeper understanding of the artist’s life and work. The inclusion of contemporary figures, such as Ryan Coogler, further reinforces the idea that Black history is not a thing of the past; it’s a living, breathing narrative that continues to unfold in the present. By featuring leaders who are actively shaping the future, Latimer’s bulletin boards inspire students to envision themselves as agents of change and to pursue their own dreams with passion and determination.
Beyond February: Year-Round Celebration of Black History
Latimer’s vision extends far beyond the confines of Black History Month. “By incorporating Black History figures that are still alive, I hope they learn that Black History is still alive and active—not a thing of history,” she states. Her goal is to foster a year-round appreciation for Black history and to cultivate a deeper understanding of the contributions of Black Americans throughout time. This is a crucial distinction – recognizing that Black history is not simply a topic to be explored during a single month, but a continuous thread woven into the fabric of American society. By consistently adding new portraits and incorporating Black historical figures into her curriculum, Latimer is creating a dynamic and evolving celebration of Black achievement. Her commitment to extending the celebration beyond February underscores a belief that Black history deserves to be recognized and honored every single day.
The Ripple Effect: Inspiring Educators Nationwide
Latimer’s viral TikTok post sparked a wave of imitation among educators across the country. Teachers are replicating her designs, creating their own bulletin boards, and incorporating Black history into their classrooms. This widespread adoption of her project demonstrates the power of a single, creative idea to inspire positive change. The sharing of ideas and resources through social media has facilitated a collaborative movement among educators, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. The impact of Latimer’s bulletin boards extends far beyond her own classroom, creating a ripple effect that is transforming the way Black history is taught and celebrated in schools nationwide. Her project serves as a testament to the importance of creativity, innovation, and the power of social media to connect educators and amplify meaningful messages. The widespread adoption of her designs highlights a growing demand for engaging and accessible resources that promote diversity and inclusion in education.
Addressing the Challenges: Representation and Curriculum Development
While the enthusiasm surrounding Latimer’s project is encouraging, it’s important to acknowledge the challenges that remain in ensuring accurate and comprehensive representation of Black history in schools. Curriculum development often relies on limited sources, perpetuating stereotypes and overlooking the contributions of marginalized communities. Furthermore, the lack of diverse representation in educational materials can reinforce feelings of exclusion and invisibility among students of color. Latimer’s work provides a valuable model for addressing these challenges, demonstrating the power of creative expression to bring Black history to life. However, it’s crucial to recognize that her bulletin boards are just one piece of the puzzle. Systemic changes are needed to ensure that Black history is fully integrated into the curriculum and that all students have access to accurate and engaging learning materials. Further research into diverse resources and culturally responsive teaching practices is essential to creating truly inclusive and equitable educational environments.
