NCS Students Celebrate Black Women During Black History Month

In February, NCS held school-wide services at Washington National Cathedral and divisional chapel services for the Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools in honor of Black History Month (BHM). Black students took the opportunity to elevate stories and experiences of Black women.

Brooke H. ‘26 spoke at Cathedral service themed “Stepping into Our Power” and urged the audience to celebrate Black women’s historical contributions. “Their stories aren’t told often enough, which is a shame to all the Black girls who want to hear them,” she explained.

The 8th grader spoke about Angela Davis’s social justice work, Maya Angelou’s poetry, and Fannie Barrier Williams’s activism. “These women have stories full of power, integrity, and determination,” she said, “but not enough people have listened to them. Not enough Black girls have been given a chance to look to these women and find the power within their stories.” said Brooke. “[These stories] that remind me of how amazing it is to be a Black girl and the history of sacrifice and greatness that comes with it. And not only do these women inspire me, but so many more have legacies untold that tell me I, too, can achieve Black excellence,” she said.

During Upper School chapel, Tori G. ‘25, brought home the history of Black women. “I am accentuating the progress that Black women have made and praise them for breaking the many barriers that allowed me to attend this school today,” she said. “I will always pay homage to the first three Black girls who attended NCS: Marlene Johnson ‘65, Lucy Brown Franklin-Murray ‘66, and Virginia Brown-Nolan ‘66. I can only imagine the endurance they relied on to survive NCS at that time. Now look at me and all these beautiful Black ladies sitting in front of me,” said Tori.

“While we still have our personal struggles at times, we are thriving and paving the way for the next class of Black girls,” she said. “Of course, there is still much work left to be done, but now it is time to honor the success of Black women and put some respect on our names.”

In each of the chapel services, three Middle Schoolers performed “Ego Tripping,” a poem by Nikki Giovanni that is considered an anthem for Black women. “I am so perfect so divine so ethereal so surreal. / I cannot be comprehended / except by my permission,” recited the students. Songs, including “Listen” by Beyoncé and the Black National Anthem “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” were also woven into the services. Lower Schoolers joyfully sang “This Little Light of Mine" during their chapel.

And at another Cathedral service, students heard from Micha Green, who works as the Washington, D.C., editor for the 130-year-old AFRO American Newspapers. Green is also the daughter of Episcopal bishop-elect Paula Clark ‘80. Green preached about her commitment to service and how she incorporates it into her journalism.

Thank you to the Black Student Union, Black Parent Alliance, and Black Alumnae Association for leading this year’s BHM services.
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    • Middle Schoolers recite “Ego Tripping" by Nikki Giovanni.

    • Micha Green speaks to the NCS community in Washington National Cathedral.