February 10th 2024.
Every February, Tamika Burton, a Spanish teacher at Collegium Charter School in Exton, Chester County, goes above and beyond to celebrate and honor the achievements of African-Americans. She takes this opportunity to dress up in elaborate costumes, portraying pioneering women and men, and inspiring her students to learn more about their history. As reported by CBS News, Burton's unique approach to teaching has made Black History Month a special event at her school.
Burton has been dressing up as different historical figures during Black History Month for the past three years, and it has become a beloved tradition among students and staff. She puts in a lot of effort to make each costume authentic and engaging for her students. In addition to dressing up, she also quizzes her students on each figure, making history come alive in her classroom.
Collegium Charter School offers education from kindergarten to 12th grade, and Burton's efforts have made Black History Month a school-wide event. She even rewards students and staff who can correctly guess the historical figures she portrays. Rather than focusing on the well-known civil rights leaders, Burton prioritizes lesser-known change-makers, believing that it is important to highlight diverse narratives and perspectives in history.
One of her students, Aniyah White, expressed how Burton's costumes have inspired her and her classmates. She said, "She would come in with the weirdest outfits, and it highlights a way for us to think, 'Oh I can do that too'." Burton's vibrant costumes not only make history active and engaging, but they also show past and present Black contributions as living legacies.
Burton believes that Black history is American history and should be discussed and taught as often as any other history. She is passionate about integrating Black history into all courses, rather than limiting it to one month or a single designated course. Her costumes serve as a visual reminder of the diverse and significant contributions of African-Americans throughout history.
In a world where diversity and inclusion are becoming increasingly important, Burton's approach to teaching Black history is a step in the right direction. It is not just about celebrating one month or one specific course, but about recognizing and acknowledging the diverse narratives and perspectives of African-American heroes and pioneers across all subjects and time. As stated in the post, "it shouldn't be relegated to just a class on African-American history. It should be interwoven between all courses."
In conclusion, Burton's dedication to bringing Black history to life through her costumes is a testament to her passion for teaching and her commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in education. Her efforts have not gone unnoticed, and she continues to inspire her students to learn more about their history and to celebrate the achievements of African-Americans throughout the year.
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