DECATUR, Ill. (WAND)- All throughout the month of February, students at Hope Academy in Decatur have been digging deep into notable African American historic figures.
Ms. Lima's and Ms. Calhoun's 4th graders were able to bring the past to the present during their black history wax figure activity.
Madi Lima helped create this event to bring the entire building together.
"I did a wax museum kind of project when I was in elementary school. And I thought it was a great way to involve the entire building in a celebration in black history," said Lima.
During this activity, students chose a historic figure and researched their role in black history. From then on, students gathered the new information they learned and created a speech to share for their peers.
Although some were nervous, the teachers wanted to use this activity to build confidence and knowledge.
"It's very important we know our history and where we come from. A lot of our African American students do not feel like they can reach higher heights. I need them to know we're the ones who paved the way to reach higher heights," said Calhoun.
Ms. Lima and Ms. Calhoun hope this project will have an everlasting impact on their students. Both making sure history is not forgotten.
