East Aurora schools to celebrate Black History Month

East Aurora Unit District 131 will celebrate Black History Month with a motivational speaker, cultural dancers and student presentations Thursday, Feb. 19.

The theme for the event is "Who Am I?," an exploration of the multiple facets of African-American identity.

The event will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the Hawks Auditorium at East Aurora High School, 500 Tomcat Lane, Aurora. The event is free and open to the public.

The speaker for the event will be best-selling author and education expert Baruti Kafele. Additionally, there will be student presentations; performances by Ayodele, an African drum and dance group; and the Community Gospel Choir.

Kafele was an elementary school teacher in East Orange, New Jersey, where he was selected as the district and county Teacher of the Year. He went on to work as a middle school and high school principal, transforming four different urban schools to institutions that were recognized as some of America's best.

"I'm looking forward to bringing a message to East Aurora that is inspiring, informing and empowering," Kafele said. "At the core of what I'll be speaking about is attitude. You can't close the achievement gap without first closing the attitude gap. You have to change the students' and change parents' attitudes."

Kafele will offer practical tips that families can do at home to reach students.

Kafele was the recipient of the prestigious Miliken National Educator Award, the so-called "Oscars of Teaching" which is given to teachers who are shaping the future. Additionally, Kafele received the National Alliance of Black School Educators Hall of Fame Award and the New Jersey Education Association Award of Excellence.

Kafele is the author of "Closing the Attitude Gap and Motivating Black Males to Achieve in School and Life." His newest book, "The Principal 50: Critical Leadership Questions for Inspiring Schoolwide Excellence," is scheduled to be published in March.

To learn more about Kafele, visit www.principalkafele.com.

Within East Aurora schools, there are Black History Month art and essay contests for all grades. All participants will be honored.

For more information, contact Diane Argueta, director of bilingual services, at (630) 299-7300 or Avis Miller, Dieterich Elementary literacy interventionist, at (630) 294-1155.