Honoring Black History Month at Penfield Children’s Center

At Penfield Children’s Center, we are proud to celebrate Black History Month throughout February. This month is a time for reflection, learning, and honoring the achievements and contributions of Black leaders, past and present. Through engaging activities, thought-provoking discussions, and educational resources, we are creating meaningful experiences for our children, families, and staff.

Bulletin Boards & Artwork

Our Early Education and Care teachers and students have been hard at work creating beautiful Black History Month bulletin boards! These vibrant displays not only showcase the children’s colorful red, green, and yellow art projects but also honor the legacies of inspiring Black leaders like Langston Hughes, Barack Obama, Jesse Owens, and more. Through creativity and learning, our students are discovering the incredible impact of Black history and culture. These visual displays serve as daily reminders of resilience, excellence, and the contributions of Black individuals throughout history.

Children’s Books Highlighting Black History

In celebration of Black History Month, the shelves in Kohl’s Building Blocks Library are stocked with children’s books written by Black authors and featuring Black history stories. Thanks to the support of Kohl’s, these books are available for families to take home and add to their personal collections. By offering these books, we hope to provide children and families with meaningful stories that inspire learning and reflection.

To explore a curated list of children’s books that celebrate Black history, visit the Penfield Building Blocks website:
Black History Month Children’s Books

Staff Reflections on Black History Month

At Penfield, we believe in uplifting voices and honoring stories that inspire us. This month, our staff members have shared quotes that resonate deeply with them and reflect the spirit of Black History Month.

“If you want the cooperation of humans around you, you must make them feel they are important – and you do that by being genuine and humble.” – Nelson Mandela

This quote deeply resonates with Kate Easton, Birth-to-three trainer, who shares:
“To me, it means that to get people to work with you or support you, you need to make them feel valued and appreciated. People respond positively when they feel important, and you can show this by being authentic and modest. Instead of acting superior or self-centered, being genuine and humble helps build trust and respect, which encourages cooperation and collaboration. Essentially, it’s about treating others with kindness and recognizing their worth.”

“The time is always right to do what is right.”

– Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

This profound statement resonates with many of us at Penfield, including Porsha Diggins, who shares:
“To me, this quote represents the power, greatness, and importance of unity and diversity. It emphasizes that everyone should be treated fairly and equally, no matter their background. The world is always greater when we stand together for what’s right.”

 “Out of the huts of history’s shame I rise
Up from a past that’s rooted in pain I rise
I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear I rise
Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.”
                             — Maya Angelou

This powerful passage resonates with Kiana Durham, MFT-IT, Family Counselor, who shares:
“Black History Month means everything to me. It’s a time to shine a light on and remember all the amazing African American people who have contributed to the world and still are contributing. There are so many things that African Americans have invented that we use daily, yet their impact is often overlooked. Even though so many people hate my race, the world wouldn’t be what it is without African Americans. I celebrate by teaching my children how important they are and to never let anyone tell them differently. The world may only celebrate in February, but we celebrate daily!”

Commitment to Equity and Inclusion

At Penfield, we recognize that celebrating Black history is not limited to one month—it is an ongoing commitment to equity, inclusion, and learning. Through intentional conversations, meaningful activities, and community engagement, we strive to honor the past, celebrate the present, and build a future where diversity is valued and inclusion is a priority.

We encourage everyone to take time this month—and beyond—to listen, learn, and celebrate the rich and impactful history of Black individuals who have shaped our world.