This was first published at TAPintoNewark.

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka urged the students of Marion P. Thomas Charter School to dream big and work hard to achieve their aspirations during the school’s “Black History is Our History” event that served as a reflection of the school’s history, resilience and future.

“All over the country they are banning books, trying to stop folks from celebrating Black history, but not in Newark,” the Mayor said. “We are happy and proud of our people, our heritage and where we come from, the long and hard journey that we made to get to where we are today. It’s important for our young people to know who they are and understand who they are so that they can be encouraged every single day in difficult times.”

The mayor encouraged the adults in the room to continue to nurture and support students’ dreams. His presence underscored the importance of community leadership in fostering the next generation of leaders.

The mayor told the story of his four year old son who believes he is like Spider Man and has super powers and that his hope is that his son and other young people still believe at age 30 that they can be just as powerful.

“At this age we need to be encouraging our young people to do incredible and impossible things and even when they don’t do it correctly all the time, we have to over-applaud them, over-love them and over-encourage them to help them believe they can do anything that’s possible or even things that are impossible,” he said.

The mayor shouted out Superintendent Angela Mincy with whom he used to work when they were both young educators in Newark. 

“It’s not lost upon me that as the largest Black-run charter in the state created by the community, for the community, to improve the community, Marion P. Thomas is as Black history as it gets,” Superintendent Mincy said. “In a time when there are clear agendas to discard books and erase history, schools like ours have never been more important.”

“Representation matters and it’s important for kids to see themselves in their teachers, administrators, counselors and their superintendent,” Mincy said.

The event was inspired by Sankofa bird, one of the symbols in the Adinkra system developed in Ghana. The Sankofa is featured on the school’s crest, representing the importance of learning from the past to move forward.

Led by the school’s students, the event was a showcase of talent across various artistic mediums. Attendees were treated to student-led tours of the school, dance performances, soulful songs, media presentations, and culinary delights that embodied the essence of African-American and Caribbean cuisine. 

Culinary students prepared a fusion of cultural staples, creating a menu that featured a blend of flavors from various traditions. ShopRite donated the food.

Student artwork adorned the reception area, offering a visual journey through the narratives and experiences of Black individuals. From portraits to abstract pieces, the artwork reflected the diversity and depth of Black identity and culture.

With hearts full of inspiration and a renewed commitment to progress, attendees departed the event, carrying with them the spirit of unity and empowerment fostered throughout the evening. “Black History is Our History” not only celebrated the past but also ignited a collective resolve to continue to collectively work as a Village to educate and inspire students to use their passions, character, and intellect to better themselves, the greater Newark community, and the world beyond.

Photo courtesy of TAPinto.