LBUSD Students Delve into the History of HBCUs

Pictured above are LBUSD and Boston students at University. 

Over spring break, students from the Long Beach Unified School District's Black Literary Society participated in a place-based learning trip centered on the book School Clothes: A Collective Memoir of Black Student Witness by Harvard professor Dr. Jarvis R. Givens. 

Black Literary Society Student Ambassadors from Browning, CAMS, Jordan, Lakewood, McBride, Poly, Renaissance, and Sato all journeyed to the East Coast for an educational tour guided by Black Student Achievement Initiative's (BSAI) Dr. Pamela Lovett. The trip was designed in collaboration with Dr. Givens to extend students' understanding of the book and provide college and career readiness experiences that promote success in schools. 

Students explored prestigious Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Ivy League institutions, including Hampton University, Howard University, Tufts University, and Harvard University, as ambassadors made specific connections to Howard and Hampton University, as prominent alumni, Harlem Renaissance writer Zora Neale Hurston, and Booker T. Washington attended these schools. The group also visited historical landmarks and museums centered on the Black experience, such as the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Royall House Slave Quarters, and the Museum of African American History in Boston. Throughout the week, students immersed themselves in the culture and history of these institutions and reflected on their learning as they worked individually and collaboratively to complete tasks.  

The students concluded their tour in Boston with two class sessions led by Dr. Jarvis Givens. During these sessions, they engaged in group discussions, sharing highlights from their trip and connecting their experiences to the text and current events across various topics, including social, political, intellectual, cultural, and economic issues. They recognized the significance of being part of a scholarly community and collaborating to address challenges faced by the Black community. The Black Literary Society Ambassadors pledge to continue exploring text, literary analysis, and thoughtful discussions to work towards positive change in their school and community.

The Black Literary Society students' excursion to the East Coast was more than just a visit; it was an inspiring learning journey that left students hopeful about their own educational paths and their capacity to create change. The Black Literary Society and LBUSD continue to celebrate and support the academic and cultural advancement of the Black student community.