For Black History Month, students from Catholic Schools and religious education programs in the Archdiocese of Washington drew and wrote about some black heroes and heroines whom they admire. These are just a few of the submissions for the February Junior Saints. Check back later in the month to see more!
Shirley Chisholm by Vivien Birch, fifth grade, St. Augustine Catholic School, WashingtonMae Jemison by Dakarta Jenkins, sixth grade, The Academy of St. Matthias the Apostle, Lanham
Shirley Chisholm by Kathleen Brown, Holy Redeemer School, Kensington: "I admire her because she was the first African American congresswoman, which shows me that anyone can do anything if you set your mind to it and believe in yourself."Jackie Robinsonby JarEl Watts-Jackson, sixth grade, The Academy of St. Matthias the Apostle, Lanham: "I drew Jackie Robinson because he was the first African American to play in the MLB. Jackie Robinson was my first inspiration for playing baseball. He's the person I look up to. Jackie Robinson played first baseman, second baseman, and infielder. His number was 42."
Simone Manuel by Mia Johnson, sixth grade, The Academy of St. Matthias the Apostle, Lanham: "I admire Simone Manuel because she made history by being the first African-American woman to take gold in an individual swimming event... Simone encourages me to work hard so I can go to the Olympics."Claudette Colvin by Sophia Campbell, fifth grade, St. Jude Regional Catholic School, Rockville: "Before there was Rosa Parks, there was Claudette Colvin. Claudette was 15 years old in 1955 when she boarded a public bus... When Claudette took a seat in the front of the bus, the driver ordered her to move to the back to make room for a white person. Claudette refused, and was arrested. Claudette was the one who inspired Rosa Parks to do what she is famous for now. That's something special: a kid inspiring an adult."
Frederick Douglass by Holly Mott, sixth grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill: "The reason I chose Frederick Douglass is because he was trying to stop slavery and segregation."Muhammad Ali by Alessandria Zimmerman, seventh grade, St. Bartholomew School, Bethesda: "Muhammad Ali impacts my life by reminding me that I can do a lot in my community to help people. Mr. Ali took the fight from the ring to outside the ring. He was also a civil rights activist."
Harriet Tubman by Kendall Barnes-Loveday, sixth grade, Holy Redeemer School, College ParkLouis Armstrong by Abigail Leonard, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington: "He had a bright personality and had a great ability to play the trumpet. Louis Armstrong was an American composer, vocalist, trumpeter, and occasional actor who has influenced countless musicians after him."
Next Month:
Lent begins on March 6, Ash Wednesday. For the March Junior Saints, draw a picture and write about what you will be doing for Lent. Send your drawings and writings by Feb. 18 to:
Junior Saints
P.O. Box 4464
Washington, DC 20017
Please print or write your name clearly on your work and include the name of your parish or school and your grade. Please only send original drawings. Thanks!
