PLAINFIELD, NJ – February 1, 2024 – Black History Month is an annual celebration in February that unequivocally acknowledges and honors the immeasurable contributions made by generations of Black Americans to American society since the early 1900s.
Today, in collaboration with Project Ready, Plainfield Public Schools celebrated the open reception for Voting Power Experience, an interactive exhibition that pays tribute to African American history and the significant struggles that have been fought.
The event kicked off with an opening from Tristian Cox, Ed. D., Plainfield Public Schools K-12 Social Studies Supervisor, reciting names of the four students who attended North Carolina Agriculture and Technical State University (N.C, A&T) in Greensboro, North Carolina, who sat at a lunch counter that they were forbidden to sit in.
“Who better?” said Cox. “Who better than the young people in this room to stand and fight for injustice in this world? Who better than to fight for our local and national issues?” He continued, “Please, young people, stand up, fight for what’s right, and get involved.”
In front of a room filled with dignitaries, staff, and students, Superintendent of Schools Rashan K. Hasan said, “Today, we embark on a journey through time, exploring pivotal moments and individuals who shaped the course of history and who paved the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.” He continued, “History tends to repeat itself. Debates between Booker T. Washington and W.E.B Dubois are still taking place.
Housed at the Plainfield High School Media Center, the exhibition highlighted happenings from The Voting Rights Act of 1965, the Greensboro Sit-In, and Ruby Bridges and the Desegregation of American Schools. The exhibition also featured a mural designed by artist Suliman Onque.
Superintendent Hasan said, "Not just during February should our ancestors be honored or recognized, but their voice should be spoken and mentioned throughout the hollowed hallways of every school in this District, and every time we sit down and speak about Moving Plainfield Public Schools Forward."
Board President Wyatt emphasized how important it is for our students to use their voices for the greater good, “I want the students to take away that they have a voice, and their voice is their power, and to utilize their voices in the community to encourage their peers to advocate for what they want. The students are indeed the future.”
The program included performances by Plainfield Academy for the Arts and Advanced Studies (PAAAS) students.
Following Board President Wyatt, the audience welcomed Shennell McCloud, CEO of Project Ready, a non-profit organization devoted to protecting and expanding high-quality education in urban communities through increased voter turnout and civic engagement.
McCloud, a Newark native whose mission is to bring Black and Brown communities together to understand the importance of civic engagement, was encouraged by a group of city church-goers to host the exhibition in Plainfield. “It is not lost on me that we were able to create this experience at the library, where so many people are trying to ban books and history.” She continued, “The fact that Plainfield High School was ready and willing to open up its space so that we can evaluate and relive so that we could plan for the future while doing the voting power experience.”
The program ended with the ribbon cutting and welcoming guests to experience the Voting Power Experience.
"I hope that you will view this, and despite everything that we saw from George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and all the other people we lost, you will still see it not robbery to exercise your voice," said McCloud.
The exhibit is now on view until March 29, 2024.
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