February is Black History Month. For the February Junior Saints, students were invited to draw a picture of an African American woman or man who made history, and write about what they admire about that person.
St. Mary’s School, Landover Hills, Maryland
“Charlotte E. Ray was the first African American woman attorney in the United States of America. She is important to many people, because she shows that you can do what you put your mind to, and that your skin tone or gender shouldn’t be a factor in stopping you. Charlotte is important to me because I like to see her as an example for myself. She makes me believe I can do things regardless of how I look, and rather about who I am. Charlotte was born in New York in 1850. She graduated from Howard University School of Law in 1872... and became the first African American female attorney. She later died in 1911 in her home state of New York. She influences many of us to become attorneys or even just to follow our dreams.” – Artwork and writing by Niara Che, eighth grade, St. Mary’s School, Landover Hills
“I chose to draw Michael Jordan because I consider him to be one of the most fearless competitors to ever live. I specifically point out competition, because I believe for Black people every day, it’s a competition to have a voice and to matter in this world. I think it’s so important for our minority community to have a voice and to matter... Another reason I chose Michael Jordan was because I believe he embodies resilience. I say this because resilience is a very big virtue in our community. We have been through a lot of things, and we still manage to rise up and break chains that once held us back.” – Artwork and writing by Aiden Williams, eighth grade, St. Mary’s School, Landover Hills, Maryland
Painting of Coretta Scott King by Kyra Lamptey, eighth grade, St. Mary’s School, Landover Hills
“Rosa Parks was a great woman. She is one of the most famous women in the world that has ever lived. She stood through trials and tribulations of racial segregation. She endured wrongdoings, mistreatments and racial injustice. I admire her because she was a strong-willed woman. She might have been short in height, but her strength and courage moved our nation. Rosa Parks said no one should be mistreated because of the color of their skin. She stood up for what she believed in. She stood up for racial equality. Her story is one that I can listen to over and over again. She is truly a hero and made the world a better place!” – Artwork and writing by Kayla Tatum, eighth grade, St. Mary’s School, Landover Hills
“Daisy Bates was a civil rights activist primarily known for her work on the Little Rock Nine, a group of African American students who were enrolled in Little Rock High School. This high school was primarily white. Bates fought for Black students to be enrolled in white schools. If (people like) Daisy Bates didn’t care about the equality of students in all schools, I wouldn’t be able to go to a good school, (and) both Black and white kids wouldn’t be together in schools. Mrs. Bates inspires me to fight for what I believe, to do whatever you can to make something you really want to happen.” – Artwork and writing by Ogonna Azih, eighth grade, St. Mary’s School, Landover Hills
“I admire Marian Anderson because she was an amazing singer, despite all the racial barriers that she was up against. I admire her bravery and determination to make her voice heard, and she didn’t stop until her voice was heard. Hearing or reading Marian Anderson’s story really opened my eyes to see that we should never give up on one of our dreams, we should keep on going until we reach that goal…” – Artwork and writing by Maria Benitez, eighth grade, St. Mary’s School, Landover Hills
“Clarence Thomas is a current Supreme Court justice. I admire him because I want to be a politician one day, and I feel as if he is a good person for me to look up to. He shows me never to give up. I admire him because when things became difficult for him, such as his dad leaving him or his house burning to the ground, he was able to keep fighting and keep moving forward.” – Artwork and writing by Alex Ramirez, eighth grade, St. Mary’s School, Landover Hills
“Jenifer Lewis is an important African American figure. I admire her because of how successful she is. Jenifer Lewis is not only an actress, but she is also a singer, comedian and activist. I believe that she inspires other African Americans to know that they too can succeed, which is why I chose to draw her.” – Artwork and writing by Nyah Carter, eighth grade, St. Mary’s School, Landover Hills
“I admire Garrett Morgan, because he made the traffic lights. That helped the world we live in now, by making driving safer…” – Artwork and writing by Benjamin Campos, eighth grade, St. Mary’s School, Landover Hills
“I admire George Washington Carver because he invented things.” – Daniel Silva, first grade, St. Mary’s School, Landover Hills
“I admire Mary McLeod Bethune because she was a teacher.” – Nia Villatoro, first grade, St. Mary’s School, Landover Hills
“I admire Madam C.J. Walker because she made a hair formula to help people.” – Artwork and writing by Uchechi Nwugo, first grade, St. Mary’s School, Landover Hills
“I admire Kamala Harris because she is our vice president.” – Olivia Ramirez-Alfaro, first grade, St. Mary’s School, Landover Hills
“I admire Dr. King because he wanted people to be treated fairly.” – Chetanna Ibe, first grade, St. Mary’s School, Landover Hills
“I admire Mary McLeod Bethune because she wanted school to be fair.” – Ariane Mayi, first grade, St. Mary’s School, Landover Hills
“I admire George Washington Carver because he likes nature.” – Artwork and writing by Jawannanma Ojimba, first grade, St. Mary’s School, Landover Hills
St. Pius X Regional School, Bowie, Maryland
“…Katherine Johnson was very smart and paved the way for Black girls like me to maybe pursue math and science.” – Artwork and writing by Sophia Gaskins, eighth grade, St. Pius X Regional School, Bowie, Maryland
“One African American that I admire the most is Barack Obama. He was born on Aug. 4, 1961, and he served as the president of the United States from January 2009 to January 2017. He made history by becoming the first African American to serve as president of the United States of America. I admire how he led our country and how he cared for all U.S. residents, not just citizens.” – Artwork and writing by Gabrielle Oben, eighth grade, St. Pius X Regional School, Bowie
“Venerable Augustus Tolton was the first Black priest in the United States. He escaped slavery with his mother by crossing the Mississippi River into Illinois. He studied for the priesthood in Rome. There he learned many languages like Greek and Latin. He lived from 1854 to 1897. People still remember him, and he will become a saint one day. Until then, let’s just appreciate all that he did.” – Artwork and writing by Aurora Stoute, St. Pius X Regional School, Bowie
Drawing of St. Josephine Bakhita by Amarachi Oleru, seventh grade, St. Pius X Regional School, Bowie
“Cardinal Wilton Gregory is the first African American cardinal. He is now the archbishop of Washington. Pope Francis elevated him to the rank of cardinal in Nov. 28, 2020.” – Artwork and writing by Devin King, seventh grade, St. Pius X Regional School, Bowie
“Claudette Colvin was the first person arrested for not giving up her seat on a bus in 1955… Her mentor was Rosa Parks, and she had a close relationship with her. Despite her hard situation with the loss of her parents and being pregnant, she still stood up for what she believed in.” – Artwork and writing by Krystal Nkoronye, seventh grade, St. Pius X Regional School, Bowie
“An important African American who made history is Rosa Parks. She was arrested just because she didn’t give up her seat to a white man. Rosa Parks worked hard to end racial injustice, especially in the Montgomery Bus Boycott. I admire her because due to her hard work and dedication to the civil rights movement, she became the first woman to lie in honor at the U.S. Capitol…” – Artwork and writing by Maegan Adamu, eighth grade, St. Pius X Regional School, Bowie
“I admire Angela Bassett for her work... She is always inspiring in movies and is always seen as a figure who truly represents the independence of Black women. She is truly a beautiful woman who helps everyone wherever she is.” – Danielle Nunyi, eighth grade, St. Pius X Regional School, Bowie
“I admire Beyoncé the most… She is a determined woman who accomplished her dreams.” – Artwork and writing by Leah Bryant, eighth grade, St. Pius X Regional School, Bowie
“Pelé was a Brazilian soccer player. I admire him because he persevered the whole way to go pro. Even though he would get fouled and no call (was made) because of his skin color, he would always get back up… He was the first Black man and teenager to score in a World Cup final. He is a person I look up to.” – Artwork and writing by Ethan Michel, sixth grade, St. Pius X Regional School, Bowie
Blessed Sacrament School, Washington
Drawing of Michelle Obama by Morgan Stacks, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
“The reason I admire Thurgood Marshall is because he fought for civil rights and became a lawyer instead of becoming a dentist like his mom would have liked and for him to follow his brother. And he followed his dreams like you should, and fought for everything right.” – Simmons Mason, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
“Louis Armstrong is considered one of the best jazz players in the U.S. He was a musician in times when Black people were segregated. He was a good horn player since he was a young teen. He inspires me to play my instrument. This is why I chose Louis Armstrong.” – Artwork and writing by Cordelia McChahan, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
Drawing of Ruby Bridges by Valentina Webster, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
“I admire Ruby Bridges because she is very brave. She went to an all-white school when she was Black. She was only in the first grade, and she did not know anyone…” – Caroline Skorny, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
“I admire Katherine Johnson for many reasons. She was a smart, curious, amazing woman, and I look up to her a lot. When she was a kid, she loved math and counting, always wanting to learn more, ask more, understand more. She broke barriers by being a Black female scientist who worked for the space program when it began. When they started using computers for spaceship launches, she double-checked some math for (astronauts) Alan Shepard and Neil Armstrong. She was an amazing woman, and I admire her very much.” – Artwork and writing by Maggie Christin, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
“I admire George Washington Carver because he became one of the greatest scientists. He used his discoveries to help people, especially farmers. He discovered many ways to use the peanut, some are peanut butter, plastic, fuel for cars and more! He was also a professor at Iowa State and Tuskegee University. This is why I appreciate George Washington Carver.” – Artwork and writing by Torin Kumar, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington
“I admire George Taliaferro for being the first African American football player to be drafted by the National Football League. The Chicago Bears chose him to join their team in 1949. This was exceptional, because the NFL had a history of discrimination. I admire George Taliaferro for being brave and not letting what other people think of him stop him from following his dream and going on to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. He inspired thousands of athletes.” – Artwork and writing by Jack Crawford, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
Drawing of Oprah Winfrey by Paige Sowanick, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons, Maryland
“I admire Kobe Bryant. Kobe was a star on the court making crazy shots from all over the court. He also was a gritty player who never quit. I think what I admire most about Kobe is his mentality. Kobe would work harder than anyone on and off the court. I aspire to be like him in this way, and I admire all he did for the sport of basketball.” – Artwork and writing by Ciaran Sweeney, eighth grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons, Maryland
“I admire Dr. Mae Jemison because she was the first African American woman in space. I love looking at the stars and dream of going to space, too. As I learned more about Dr. Jemison, I found out all the other amazing things she has done in her life, too. She was a doctor in the Peace Corps, and she strived to encourage children in the field of science.” – Artwork and writing by Tyler Wingenter, third grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
“I admire NASA mathematician Katherine Johnson. She inspired her friends to try their best. She showed girls that we could do the same as boys if not better… She always stood up for herself. That’s why I admire her.” – Ava Hall, fifth grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons, Maryland.
“I admire Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for all he has done for the African American community. He stood up when others didn’t and gave a speech that changed people. Martin changed life for all people…” – Artwork and writing by Trey Greenwell, seventh grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
“I love Ruby Bridges, because she’s very inspiring for me and people around the world. I may not be Black, but what Ruby Bridges’ story taught me is that I can achieve anything, no matter the color (of my skin)… If I was Ruby and I found out that when I was walking into the school, that there were people protesting so I wouldn’t get into the school, I would be really sad. It’s amazing how one little girl made such a big mark in history.” – Sadie Grey, third grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
“Rosa Parks is a woman who stood up for herself during segregation. She was told to give up her seat to someone, and she was arrested for not doing so. She stood up for herself and was punished. The law at the time was if a white person needed a seat, a Black person had to give it up and stand. I admire her because she’s not afraid of standing up for herself. What she did was so brave and extremely hard. I would never be that brave to do that. I really look up to her.” – McKenzie Simpson, sixth grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
“I admire Harriet Tubman because she was very brave. She was a conductor on the Underground Railroad, which means that she helped slaves get to freedom… She returned to Maryland about 13 times and rescued about 70 slaves. That is why I admire Harriet Tubman.” – Artwork and writing by Isla Ihnacik, fourth grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
“One person I admire is Toussaint L’Ouverture. I think that everyone should know about him because of how he fought against slavery. Toussaint was born a slave in 1743 on the island of Saint-Domingue, a French colony. In 1776, he was freed. In 1791, a slave rebellion formed in the north, and it became known as the Haitian revolution. Toussaint became commander-in-chief of the army. In 1794, he forced the French to abolish slavery (there)… Toussaint L’Ouverture is known for leading the first and only successful slave revolt.” – Artwork and writing by Jaden Francois, fourth grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
“Bishop James Augustine Healy was the first Black Roman Catholic bishop in the United States, and he was also an advocate for children and Native Americans. He was born a slave to an Irish (immigrant) father and a slave mother near Macon, Georgia on April 6, 1830… He was ordained a priest in 1854. He went to Boston where he opposed anti-Catholic sentiments and served as chancellor of that diocese during the Civil War. Then in 1875, he was made a bishop (of Portland, Maine) by Pope Pius IX… He helped advocate for the rights of many oppressed people in Portland. He also built many new churches, seminaries, schools and welfare institutions. Bishop Healy died on Aug. 5, 1900 in Portland, Maine.” – Artwork and writing by Daniel DiBonaventuro, sixth grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
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Women's History Month is the topic for March Junior Saints
March is Women’s History Month. For the March Junior Saints, students are invited to draw a picture of a woman who made history, and write about what they admire her. The drawings and writings should be emailed to mark@cathstan.org by Wednesday March 9, 2022 to Mark Zimmermann, the Catholic Standard's editor, and they should include the name, grade and school or parish of the student printed clearly.
Due to time constraints involved with reviewing the volume of submitted work, it is requested that schools or parish religious education programs limit their entries to 10 drawings and 10 writings from their students. The best formats to send are jpegs for artwork and word documents or pdfs for writing, if possible. Thank you!
