Feb. 7, 2019
As part of School District U-46 events celebrating Black History Month, an acclaimed motivational speaker and educator will speak to U-46 families about how students can succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
Keynote Speaker Robert Jackson is an author, educational consultant, former NFL player, and former teacher. Jackson will be the main speaker at Larkin High School on Tuesday, Feb. 19 for an event titled "Nia (Purpose): A Toolkit for Living Your Best Life." During the event, which starts at 6:30 p.m., Jackson and District officials will recognize 13 African-American students from across U-46’s five high schools who have earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.4 or above as of last semester. Earlier in the day, Jackson will also offer his expertise in a conversation with District educators.
“We look forward to welcoming Mr. Jackson to U-46,” said April Wells, Coordinator of Gifted Education. “Ambition, passion, and ingenuity are inextricably part of our identity as Black people. We endeavor to uplift the spirits of the scholars we serve by giving them a mirror through which to see their authentic identities. We see you and we believe in you.”
During Jackson’s teaching career in Indianapolis Public Schools, he refused to let his students feel sorry for themselves or let their circumstances define their futures. He speaks and teaches on topics of cultural diversity, restorative practices, socio-emotional learning, and how to retain troubled students in school. He challenges parents to take a more active role in their children’s education, and he works with students to overcome hardships through discipline and accountability.
Schools across the District are celebrating Black History Month through a variety of activities in classrooms and after-school events, as detailed in the table below.
- Who: African-American seniors and speaker Robert Jackson
- What: Robert Jackson joins District recognition of seniors and presents “Steps to Being a Successful Student In and Out of The Classroom.”
- Where: Larkin High School, 1475 Larkin Ave., Elgin
- When: 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 19
Streamwood High School
- Auditorium, 701 W. Schaumburg Road, Streamwood
- Friday, Feb. 15 - During Lunch
- Screening of Movie “Hidden Figures”
Larkin High School
- Black Box Theater, 1475 Larkin Ave., Elgin
- Saturday, Feb. 16 at 10 a.m.
Black History Club presents Alumni Legends Brunch
Larkin High School
- Studio 270, Gail Borden Library, 270 N. Grove, Elgin
- Tuesday, Feb. 19 at 6:30 p.m.
- Black History Club presents Open Mic Night
Heritage Elementary
- 507 Arnold Ave., Streamwood
- Thursday, Feb. 21 at 8:30 a.m.
- African-American Drums & Storytelling
Larkin High School
- Studio 270, Gail Borden Library, 270 N. Grove, Elgin
- Friday, Feb. 22 at 9 a.m.
- Black History Club presents Teen Leadership Conference
Larkin High School
- Auditorium, 1475 Larkin Ave., Elgin
- Tuesday, Feb. 26 at 8 a.m.
- Black History Club presents screening of “The Hate U Give”
Streamwood High School
- Auditorium, 701 W. Schaumburg Road, Streamwood
- Wednesday, Feb. 27 - Periods 2 and 3
- Program put on by the African-American Student Union organization
Bartlett High School
- 701 W. Schick Road, Bartlett
- Wednesday, Feb. 27, 7 p.m.
- Minority Alliance Coalition Banquet with original works of poetry and music through Guide Right and the Diamond Foundation.
- Throughout the month, BHS library hosting seminars and workshops showcasing the civil rights movement
Larkin High School
- Black Box Theater, 1475 Larkin Ave., Elgin
- Thursday, Feb. 28, during the school day
- Black History Club presents “Tunnel of Oppression,” an interactive theater experience. Students will participate in a scene taken from the Civil Rights era when segregation was prominent. They will also walk through a museum of student-led research to learn about black history.
