Black History Month is more than just a celebration—it’s a vital opportunity to recognize the significant impact Black communities have made throughout history. By honoring these contributions and stories of resiliency, we not only pay homage to the past but also inspire a more inclusive and equitable future.
That is what Concept Schools’ Cleveland-area students set out to do this past month when they delivered powerful tributes to some of the greatest Black leaders and innovators. Fox 8 partnered with Horizon Science Academy Cleveland High, HSA Cleveland Elementary and Noble Academy Euclid to have their students appear on the show to share the 60-second video essays they wrote for the segment.
22 students came on the set throughout February to honor figures like Muhammad Ali, Harriet Tugman, Martin Luther King Jr. and many others. HSA Cleveland Elementary student Rhe’Dance Jenkins highlighted Ruby Bridges, the first Black child to enter an all-white school in the south, and was inspired by the courage Bridges’ exuded while battling daily acts of racism from her peers.
“I admire her because of the strength she showed during these times,” said Jenkins of Bridges. “Her story showed so many that we can all be equal and get along in the same place. I’m grateful for the sacrifice she took at such a young age and it inspires me to never let something get in my way and to keep moving forward.”
You can find all of their appearances from this past month below.
Feb. 1: Rhe'Dance Jenkins (HSA Cleveland Elementary) on Ruby Bridges
Feb. 2: Dash Clements (HSA Cleveland High) on Muhammad Ali
Feb. 3: Rayelle Calhoun (HSA Cleveland High) on Martin Luther King Jr.
Feb. 4: Nylah Gray (HSA Cleveland Elementary) on Rosa Parks
Feb. 5: Addison Spivey (Noble Academy Cleveland) on Claudette Colvin
Feb. 6: Ethan Billingsley (HSA Cleveland Elementary) on Muhammad Ali
Feb. 7: Chaz Johnson (HSA Cleveland Elementary) on Ruby Bridges
Feb. 10: Tierra Martemus (HSA Cleveland High) on Serena Williams
Feb. 11: Keondre Chisholm (HSA Cleveland High) on Rosa Parks
Feb. 12: A'mari Swanson (HSA Cleveland Elementary) on Harriet Tubman
Feb. 13: Richard Eason (Noble Academy Euclid) on Maya Angelou
Feb. 14: Demetrius Williams (HSA Cleveland Elementary) on Stefon Diggs
Feb. 17: Leah Adams (HSA Cleveland High) on Ruby Bridges
Feb. 18: Gewaunn Alexander (Noble Academy Euclid on Marie Maynard Daly
Feb. 19: Ahmir Golden (HSA Cleveland Elementary) on Martin Luther King Jr.
Feb. 20: Lenavecia Sullins (HSA Cleveland High) on Ida B. Wells
Feb. 21: Jaden Lewis (HSA Cleveland High) on Harriet Tubman
Feb. 24: Paris Dior Banks (HSA Cleveland High) on Madam CJ Walker
Feb. 25: Mikayla Robinson (Noble Academy Euclid) on Maya Angelou
Feb. 26: Matthew Hill (HSA Cleveland High) on Tyler Perry
Feb. 27: Katelyn Carter (Noble Academy Euclid) on Angel Reese
Feb. 28: Michaela Floyd (HSA Cleveland Elementary) on Maya Angelou
