“An integral part of fostering a culture of belonging is honoring the identities, lived experiences, and backgrounds of the members of our community. It feels even more important, now more than ever, that we uphold our commitment to ensuring every story is valued and every voice is heard.” So said Head of School Ann Marie Simonetti to open the annual Black History Month Celebration, but it could also stand as a part of The New Century School‘s abiding mission.
The event was all about the hope, joy, and community that TNCS represents. And what a way to close out Black History Month! As she continued her opening remarks, Ms. Simonetti set the tone for the evening by reaffirming TNCS’s unwavering dedication to fostering an inclusive environment. (For the full presentation slide deck, scroll to the end of this post.)
Celebration Through Expression
Parents and staff watched with pride as TNCS students demonstrated not just their artistic talents, but their growing understanding of equity, justice, and the importance of amplifying diverse voices. We cannot overstate how much team effort went into making this event a resounding success, from the student-made art festooning the walls, to TNCS Music Instructor Josee Molavi’s rousing—and beautiful—choral selections, to all of the behind-the-scenes-but-no-less-appreciated support from teachers and other staff. This year, Head of School Ann Marie Simonetti also drew on guidance and support from parents. The community effort paid off—it was an event by, for, and about each other.
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The Show Must Go On. . .
When TNCS K–8 students took to the stage (in high style), the enthusiastic response from audience members confirmed that our community treasures these opportunities to come together in celebration of our shared humanity and diverse heritage.
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Lift Every Voice and Sing
First up, the “Black National Anthem”!
Profé J then recounted some of the special Black History Month activities TNCS students have been enjoying. They visited the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture, for example, delaying their trip so they could experience the brand new KidZone exhibit, “Lifting as We Climb.”
Inspired by what they saw, K–4th-grade students presented their own version of “The Children Shall Lead.” Ms. Simonetti describes it this way:
When our K-4th grade students visited the Lewis museum, they enjoyed the new mural by Jordan Lawson who was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. The community mural titled “The Children Shall Lead” connects each child’s dream to the world around them and reflects how public art can represent a community while inspiring possibility and leadership in the next generation. The piece is inspired by the idea that children are not just the future, but already carry vision, confidence, and purpose. The children face forward toward the horizon, representing vision, direction, and possibility. Behind them, a city, hospital, fire station, racetrack, and stadium subtly emerge, reinforcing the idea that the future is still being built and that children are central to shaping it. I was immediately reminded of a quote from Dr. Maria Montessori who told us, ‘We turn to the child as to the key to the fate of our future. Our students spent some time reflecting on the possibilities they envision for their future.’
Warning: Extreme Adorableness Is In Your Future.
Middle School students, meanwhile, had visited the stunning American Sublime exhibit at the Baltimore Museum of Art by MICA alumnus Amy Sherald and had some very profound observations on her work Ecclesia—The Meeting of Inheritance and Horizons.
And, in a special moment that brought together many themes, TNCS Receptionist Zanyah Hawkins-Walter read excerpts from Parker Looks Up, An Extraordinary Moment, a book about a young girl’s encounter with the sublime—American Sublime, that is. It’s especially poignant when we find that what has mesmerized young Parker so completely is Sherald’s portrait of Michelle Obama, our first, First Black Lady.
Still I Rise
Two middle school students did a fabulous job reciting (one of) Maya Angelou’s masterworks.
We Shake We Shine
One thing that made this 2026 performance extra, extra special was how Ms. Simonetti included members of staff in the celebration. It’s a testament to her—and TNCS’s—firm commitment to community and inclusion. This evening was about amplifying and uplifting voices…and that applies to everyone. Staff members were invited to share their visual art on the walls and even take the stage—for poetry, literature (as mentioned), and call and response. As she put it”
At TNCS, we strive to provide an environment of community and belonging for our students, families, and team. We have a remarkably talented team who I’m grateful to walk alongside everyday. Talking and connecting with them, I’m always learning more about the wide range of talents and skills beyond those we see here at school. This year, I invited them to share samples of their work which is also pictured here today….
TNCS Preschool Brenda Lane performed excerpts from the great women’s suffrage anthem.
And TNCS celebrity LaTriese Sussman led the audience in a Call and Response from the Reverend Jesse Jackson’s adaptation of William Holmes Border’s poem “I am Somebody.” The applause was thundering!
TNCS parents Naijha Wright-Brown and Gregory Brown even catered the event from their celebrated vegan soul food restaurant The Land of Kush! 
A Change Is Gonna Come
In a time when difficult conversations about race and history are sometimes avoided, TNCS embraces them as essential to developing compassionate, informed citizens who will shape a better world. This Black History Month celebration wasn’t just about looking back—it was about moving forward together with greater understanding and purpose.
This commitment feels particularly significant today. While governmental policies have rolled back progress on diversity initiatives and historical accuracy in education over the last year, TNCS stands firm in its belief that understanding our complete history and embracing multiple perspectives are essential for preparing students to navigate our diverse world. The light of understanding that shone so brightly during our celebration continues to guide us forward—illuminating not just where we’ve been, but the more inclusive, equitable world we’re working to create.
And with that . . .
Presentation slides:
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