Kicking off Black History Month with celebrations

Feb 9 2026

Each February, Osseo Area Schools recognizes Black History Month. Schools, students and staff across the district are dedicating time to celebrate, honor and learn about people or events that have impacted Black culture in our country’s history.

Basswood Elementary School

On Feb. 6, students in all grades at Basswood Elementary School gathered to celebrate Black History Month. The celebration, the second year that Basswood has hosted this event, was a huge hit amongst students and staff.

Third grade students, led by music teacher Cynthia Stearns, sang a number of songs, often joined by students in the audience. The students sang songs including “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” “Sing About Martin,” “Together We Can Change the World” and “R*E*S*P*E*C*T.”

The Black Joy leadership group, made up of third, fourth and fifth grade students who meet up every week to connect, share stories, learn about black excellence, celebrate culture and set short and long term goals, helped to organize the event.

Students in Black Joy and staff members also spoke about a number of Black figures, both historical and current, including Martin Luther King Jr., Kamala Harris, Derrick Jonhson, Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett and Justin Jefferson.

Students at a Black History Month assembly

Park Brook Elementary School

Park Brook Elementary School hosted an all-school assembly Feb. 6 that focused heavily on the beginning of Black History Month. Principal Scott Taylor shared a quote from former President Barack Obama about the importance of reading, and he used that quote to tie in the importance of the nation’s first Black president with his message about literacy.

Taylor then shared about additional prominent African American leaders in the past and present, such as Gladys West and her contributions to the navigational devices we use today such as Google Maps. He also discussed the legacy of Jim Crow laws that legalized discrimination for Black Americans until the late 1960s.

“At Park Brook, every student of every race is valued,” Taylor told the students. “This is your school, and this is your nation. We have Black History Month because, in our country, people have had different rights based on the color of their skin, which is not ok.”

The Voices Of Osseo: Black History Month Edition Video Project

Family and Community Engagement (FACE) are inviting families to participate in a special “Voices of Osseo Black History Month Edition” project by sharing a short video reflecting on one or both:

How does Black History show up in your family's story?
When you hear Black History, what’s the first thing that comes to mind?

Families are encouraged to be creative, authentic and joyful in their videos, whether the message is reflective, celebratory, or shared through storytelling, music, laughter or conversation.

These videos will help to honor the richness, resilience and contributions of Black individuals and families, while creating meaningful opportunities for learning, connection, and celebration across the Osseo Area Schools community.

Video guidelines: