The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
VALUES VIA ART
Hamilton Elementary spotlights Black history through students’ work
Students at Elyria’s Hamilton Elementary School, 1215 Middle Ave., got to take a first look at work March 4 created by some of their schoolmates in a gallery style tour.
Throughout February, Principal Jodie Johnson said the school tried to instill in the students the values of equity and inclusion, and teach them about the inspiration behind prominent African American leaders, inventors and thinkers.
“With Black History Month coming around, we were just really fortunate to be able to have a great staff that was ready to spearhead each grade level,” Johnson said.
The brand new building is in its first year of operation with separate wings for each grade level and lots of space for collaborative work.
The spotlight tours gave all of the students a chance to view work created by their schoolmates in all grade levels.
“So, we focused on it pretty much all month, and not only is that project working, but they also did small things to challenge themselves like who
are you, what do you represent and how do you describe your goals and your dreams?” Johnson said.
Exhibits featured student interpretations of the work of artist Alma Woodsey Thomas, scientist George
Washington Carver and prominent African American leaders such as former President Barack Obama and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Learning of the challenges of becoming the first Black U.S. president and the role of prominent African American scientists, students got a chance to put themselves in their places and discover themselves in the process of exploring their creative
sides, Johnson said.
This provided context for what is possible for them to achieve if they work hard and persevere, she said.
Hamilton Elementary opened in August 2020. The 58,000-squarefoot building replaced the previous school torn down in 2017. The new building has ample space for collaboration with movable walls and expanded community rooms.