For Immediate Release
January 28, 2022
Contact:
Portia Kirkland, 678-427-4898
Carla Parker, 404-734-1717
STONE MOUNTAIN, Ga. – The second annual Black Lives Matter at DeKalb Schools Week of Action will be held virtually from Jan. 31, 2022, through Feb. 4, 2022, in the DeKalb County School District (DCSD). The week-long event features daily Black Lives Matter school-based instructional activities, including a social media celebration of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and a celebration of Black-owned businesses in DeKalb County.
An array of dynamic speakers and topics has been curated around this year’s theme, “Celebrating Black Contributions to America.” The Virtual Symposium will include speakers and topics for individuals to engage in and learn more about African Americans’ impact in America. Some of those sessions include African American History & Heritage, Black People and STE(A)M, Mental Wellness in Black Communities, Wealth Equity in the Black Community, and Unbalanced Judicial and Legislative Systems.
“After our success in 2020, we’re excited to host once again a week that celebrates the beautiful diversity in DeKalb County School District,” Superintendent Cheryl Watson-Harris said. “Black Lives Matter at DeKalb Schools Week of Action 2022 gives our scholars and staff an opportunity to recognize racial and social injustices in our communities, but also a platform to celebrate our wonderful achievements.”
Black Lives Matter began as a social media hashtag in 2013 in response to the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin by a neighborhood watch coordinator in Sanford, Fla. The social media movement transformed into a global organization with the goal to build power to bring justice, healing, and freedom to Black people across the globe. The Board of Education adopted the resolution for Black Lives Matter at DeKalb Schools Week of Action on July 13, 2020.
“I am proud to be a part of a district that encourages courageous conversations concerning systemic racism, racial injustice, ethnic bias, and so much more. The DCSD Black Lives Matter Week of Action showcases great discussions and equips our students to be the voice of change. I’m excited that we are equipping our scholars with the tools they need to address stereotypes and stigmas so that they can reach their fullest potential,” DeKalb County Board of Education Vice Chair Diijon DaCosta said.
For more information on “Black Lives Matter At DeKalb Schools Week of Action 2022,” visit https://www.dekalbschoolsga.org/news/dekalb-county-school-district-hosts-black-lives-matter-week-of-action-2022/.
For media requests, please email communications@dekalbschoolsga.org.
About the District
DeKalb County School District (DCSD) is Georgia’s third largest school system. Under the leadership of Superintendent Mrs. Cheryl Watson-Harris and the Board of Education, the District prepares students for college and careers through a laser focus on rigorous, relevant classroom instruction related to each child’s needs. The District serves over 93,000 students, and over 140 schools and centers, and 15,500 employees, including 6,600 teachers. Students and parents speak over 185 languages and represent over 155 nations. With a laser focus, DCSD is a leader in STEM curriculum with 10 certified schools and programs in more than 90 schools.