LBUSD Welcomes Harvard Professor Dr. Jarvis Givens as Featured Speaker at Black Literary Society Event 

The Black Literary Society, led by Dr. Pam Lovett, allows students to engage with the rich history of Black education and literature. The program fosters a sense of empowerment within the Black community while offering a supportive academic environment.

During the event, students worked collaboratively in groups to create mission statements for their schools, focusing on how they will collectively strive to explore Black intellectual and literary traditions and honor the Black community.

Dr. Givens described the program as a way for students to immerse themselves “in a year-long community of study around the history of Black student experiences in the United States…not just to learn about the history, but also to reflect and think about their own identities as Black students here in the context of Long Beach.”

He continued, “For a large part of American history, the majority of Black people were excluded from access to public schooling and education. African Americans, therefore, strived to create meaningful educational opportunities for themselves. Black Literary Societies were one of the earliest formations in this intellectual tradition… The goal is to support students in creating a learning environment that responds to their particular needs as Black students here in Long Beach.”

McBride students wrote in their mission statement that they aim to provide a sense of community for Black education and empowerment while uplifting one another and creating a space to inspire others.

Visit lbschools.net/BSAI for more information on the Black Literary Society and programs that help elevate Black students and families.