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Fairfax County Public Schools marked the 100th anniversary of the movement that became Black History Month during its second annual divisionwide celebration at Carter G. Woodson High School.
Held under the theme “Rooted in Resilience: Echoes of Excellence,” the Feb. 26 event brought together students, educators and community leaders to honor Black history while highlighting the achievements of a new generation.
The anniversary carried particular meaning at the host school, which is named for Carter G. Woodson. Known as the “Father of Black History,” Woodson established Negro History Week in 1926 to help ensure Black history was recognized as an essential part of the nation’s shared story.
Montell Brown, an assistant principal at Centreville High School, served as master of ceremonies. He described the Black experience in America as a profound duality shaped by oppression and achievement, as well as historical trauma and transformational progress.
Students from across FCPS led “Moments of Pride” connecting history with present-day accomplishments. Jamie Barnes, a sixth grader at Saratoga Elementary School, honored dancer and author Misty Copeland. Marshall High School seniors reflected on the influence of figures including activist Bayard Rustin and entrepreneur Madam C. J. Walker.
Superintendent Michelle C. Reid emphasized the importance of local history, pointing to Fairfax County educator Louise Archer as an example of someone who believed in children before the school system did.
Vernon Walton, senior pastor at First Baptist Church of Vienna, delivered the keynote address and urged students to recognize the immediate value of their experiences.
“Your story matters today,” Walton said. “Not someday, not tomorrow — but today.”
The program also featured an FCPS Black Excellence video honoring students, employees and alumni throughout the county.
Musical and historical presentations included “Let There Be Peace on Earth” by the Mount Vernon Woods Elementary School choir, a reflection on Rosenwald Schools by Jeff Clark, a performance of “A Change Is Gonna Come” by sixth grader Annelise Walbe, and an instrumental selection by eighth grader Solomon Merriweather. A high school student also presented a dance performance.
Chief Equity Officer Nardos King closed the celebration by calling on adults to continue creating spaces where students’ voices and stories are valued.
“Our students are watching us,” King told the audience. “They are learning from us, and they are depending on us to keep creating spaces where their voices matter and their stories are honored.”
The evening ended with music and a group photo, reinforcing the event’s message that Black excellence continues to grow across generations.