By Dorie Spangler | Council on Culture & Arts
History cannot be taught without art. It is through stories that we absorb the true depth of events and emotions experienced by those who came before us. These stories may be told through writing, dance, music, or visual art, but what they have in common is their ability to shine a light on voices from the past.
At Tallahassee School of Math and Science’s (TSMS) Black History Month Assembly on Wednesday, February 25, fifth grade teacher Oluwatosin Jones and dean of academics Patricia Pagozalski introduced a morning of art, culture, and reflection.
“You might be wondering… what is Black History Month?” asked Ms. Pago, stirring up interest among the students in the cafeteria.
“Black History Month,” responded Ms. Jones, “is a time when we learn about Black heroes, leaders, artists, and everyday people who helped make our country better.”
They went on to highlight that 2026 is the 100th Anniversary of Black History commemorations, and that the ensuing performances would “bring history to life through stories, music, art, and voices that show courage and hope.”
The assembly repeated three times throughout the morning–first, for Kindergarten through 2nd grade, next for 3rd-5th grade, and finally for 6-8th grade. Featuring a variety of performances and presentations, the morning began with an inspirational poem entitled “Phenomenal Me, Phenomenal You,” read by three middle school students. Next, the TSMS Dance Team performed a dance to “Already” a song by Beyoncé, Major Lazer, and Shatta Wale from the Lion King Soundtrack. The dancers’ joy and enthusiasm was contagious.
TSMS Art Teacher Heather Mott then took the stage to praise and showcase her students’ artwork, which decorated the walls of the cafeteria. She gave background information on the various art projects her students had completed, including colorful portraits of historical black leaders like Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King, emblazoned with motivational words, and ornate masks inspired by African tradition. She then spotlighted a series of watercolor paper quilts, which students created after reading Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt by Deborah Hopkinson. This historical fiction work tells the story of an enslaved girl and seamstress who stitches a secret map into her quilts that demonstrates escape routes through the Underground Railroad.
When asked about the paper quilts after the assembly, Mott explained her process in more detail: “We looked at videos on how Kente cloth is made in Ghana; the kids saw the process and they really wanted to get a loom and weave. I said, ‘we don’t have a loom to do this. However, we’re gonna do this on paper, in our style.’” She goes on to explain “With the grant* that I received from COCA*, I purchased watercolor paper, watercolor paint and brushes, and the kids were able to receive two sheets of paper and make their own designs. They watercolor painted them, and then when they were dry, we cut one paper vertically, one paper horizontally, and they were shown how to weave their artwork together.”
After Mrs. Mott’s demonstration, a guest artist, current Council on Culture & Arts (COCA) intern and Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU) Fine Arts student Omowura Adedayo showcased his work. He showed the students one of his largest pieces: a 31×39 colored pencil and acrylic mat board painting of five figures in traditional Nigerian clothing whose faces are decorated with intricate maze-like patterns. “I took the silhouette of traditional West African masks, and I built upon it.” says Adedayo. “I analyzed the clothing and fabrics that I would wear to weddings and parties and christenings, the lines and the flower motif. I saw the beauty of how they were able to capture our eyes, our eyelids, our nose, our lips. And I got inspired.”
This seed of inspiration; a beautiful mask that Adedayo explained he originally saw at his aunt’s house, is a concept the artist made sure to impress upon the students. He encouraged students to take inspiration from their ancestors and their home life; “draw people in your family,” he repeated to each assembly group.
Ms. Jones and Ms. Pago then shifted attention with a lively and educational round of Black History trivia followed by the final act of the assembly: a dance performance by a group of FAMU students from Mahogany Dance Theatre. The dancers brought Nina Simone’s “Four Women” to life, rendering with skilled choreography a striking tale of resilience and pride. Ms. Jones then led the room in singing the Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” by James Weldon Johnson. The students’ voices boomed with excitement as they joined in.
Overall, the assembly offered a rich and engaging exhibition of Black art and culture. Mott says of the importance of art in teaching history: “Art is a historical marker. Even if it’s beautiful, and we’re appreciating it for its aesthetic value, it also has such an importance in our history as far as recording events.”
Whether it be the Transatlantic Slave Trade, the Jim Crow era, or ongoing systemic racism, it is crucial that the hardships faced by Black Americans are documented and learned from. Equally as important, are the stories of those brave leaders and artists who persevered, told their stories, and fought for equality.
Ms. Jones and Ms. Pago made sure to point out when addressing the students, “Black history isn’t just about the past, it’s also about today and the future.”
“Everything comes with time, patience, skill, and work,” said Adedayo, addressing his participation in the assembly. “So I hope I was an example for the students to continue chasing your dreams always.”
*COCA’s Arts Education grant program https://tallahasseearts.org/arts-education/arts-ed-grant/
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