Black History Month was celebrated in earnest at SCI Waymart throughout Feb. 2023 with a variety of events. Through a collaborative effort with administration, security, and education, staff and guests provided exciting and enlightening experiences.
Mark Montella, outside director of Waymart’s Holiday Extravaganza and an accomplished musician, started the month with an African drumming presentation. Participants learned that drums were used for communication before they were used for musical entertainment. Attendees were able to play a variety of drums, and Waymart’s music aficionados created beautiful sounds with the Djembe, gourd rattler, and kalimba.
In the middle of the month, Business Teacher Mary Beth Pasqualicchio lectured on Black Entrepreneurs and discussed wealth distribution and pathways to successful business relationships. Waymart’s Cosmetology Teacher Tami McCollum held a class on caring for Black skin and hair. An essay contest was also held during February and judged by the education department.
Black History Month concluded with a riveting lecture called “Poetry and the Civil Rights Movement: Then and Now” by Dr. Brian Conniff, a professor at The University of Scranton. Participants read and contributed to in-depth discussions on poems written by Black poets. They also learned fun facts about the origins of the Civil Rights Movement, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Rosa Parks. The participants were of different colors, races, nationalities, and ages — a testament to some of King’s iconic dream. They were able to peacefully and openly-communicate with one another about race-related issues.
Waymart looks forward to providing more learning experiences in 2024 for Black History Month, and until then, participants will strive to adapt a mindset that embraces the lessons they learned in February 2023.