FOR RELEASE: February 1, 2024 BCPS press releases are available online
This is a corrected version of a release issued earlier today. The Feb. 24 event will be at Perry Hall High
School.
Baltimore County Public Schools to celebrate Black
History Month 2024
Towson, Md. – During Black History Month, Baltimore County Public Schools will continue to celebrate
the contributions African Americans have made, and continue to make, to American history and culture.
Across the county, individual schools will welcome guest speakers, share information during morning
announcements, host door decorating contests, assign written reports and research projects, offer
special assemblies, and more.
“Black history is integral to American history, and I encourage all students and families to spend time
this month learning more about Black history and the diversity and strength of Black culture,” said BCPS
Superintendent Dr. Myriam Rogers.
Systemwide BCPS activities
Alumni spotlights
Throughout February, BCPS will honor graduates from around the county on social media. Follow along
with us on Facebook, Instagram, and X/Twitter. New this year, the Team BCPS community is invited
to nominate BCPS alumni for this recognition! Last year's honorees included a Harvard University
professor, NFL players, a BCPS principal, a Saturday Night Live cast member, and a CNN journalist.
Black Excellence
Second Annual Black Excellence Systemwide Celebration
The BCPS Black Excellence program supports students as they learn about the people, places, and events
within the Black experience. Students can assess their knowledge through a book study, a school-based
compe��on, and/or development of a presenta�on.
Schools participating this year are Berkshire, Carney, Cedarmere, Chatsworth, Dundalk, Joppa View,
Lyons Mill, Milbrook, Rodgers Forge, Rossville, Seven Oaks, Stoneleigh, Westchester, Westowne, West
Towson, Winfield, and Woodbridge elementary schools; and Catonsville, Cockeysville, Deer Park
Magnet, Franklin, Northwest Academy of Health Sciences, and Parkville middle schools.
The program will conclude with a systemwide public event at the Perry Hall High School cafeteria on
Saturday, February 24, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. The school is located at 4601 Ebenezer Rd., Nottingham
21236. During the systemwide celebration, students will display presentations they developed in
response to the research prompt or the books they read. Community members, families, and other
students will have the opportunity to ask students about their presentations.
Black History Month Writing Contest
The Office of English Language Arts and the Office of Social Studies are co-sponsoring a writing contest
for all students in Grades K-12. A winner will be selected in each of the following grade level bands:
Grades K-2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8, and Grades 9-12. Prizes for winners are generously provided by The
Education Foundation of BCPS.
The contest is accepting up to three entries per school, and the deadline for entries is Friday, February 9.
Students interested in participating should speak to their English language arts or social studies teacher.
This year’s prompt is to choose an African American public figure in the field of visual arts, performing
arts, literature, fashion, film, music, architecture, culinary arts, or other field of artistic expression, and
to explain how this public figure has contributed significantly and uniquely to their field and how their
work has specifically inspired the student and their own future goals.
“Sankofa: Celebration of African Americans’ Achievements”
The “Sankofa: Celebration of African Americans’ Achievements” event will be held from 5-8 p.m. on
Friday, February 23, at Winfield Elementary School Recreation Center, 8300 Carlson Ln., Windsor Mill
21244. Sponsored by the Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks, this event will feature
speakers, community resource tables, vendors, and a living history program to celebrate Black legacy
and progress. Admission is free, and refreshments will be provided. Please register to attend.
Trivia Tuesdays
At 3 p.m. every Tuesday in February, BCPS will post Black History Month trivia questions on Instagram
Stories (@teambcps). Stories will be live for 24 hours and will be archived in BCPS Instagram highlights.
# # #
Baltimore County Public Schools, the nation’s 22nd largest school system, engages and empowers its
talented students, teachers, staff, and stakeholders and strives to build an innovative and collaborative
learning community where all students excel and reach their highest potential.
Engage. Empower. Excel.
