Litzsinger School kicked off their Black History Month celebration with an unforgettable performance last week—made possible with support from the Special Education Foundation’s SEF Presents! Arts in the Classroom program, powered by The Regional Arts Commission.

Students were treated to a powerful live performance of Jabari Dreams of Freedom by The St. Louis Black Rep. This inspiring production follows Jabari, a young student who dreams of meeting civil rights icons like Ruby Bridges and Claudette Colvin, bringing history to life in a way that deeply resonated with the audience.

Seventh-grader Anakin Dutton reflected on the performance, sharing, "I saw the different times in Black history that had to do with racism and discrimination. It was really good."  

The Black Rep’s performance is just the beginning of Litzsinger’s efforts to connect students with Black history and culture through the arts. 

“The arts—whether theater, dance, or music—bring history to life,” said Julie Moorman, Litzsinger’s assistant principal. 

In March, the celebration will continue with a dynamic performance by Afriky Lolo, a West African dance and drum troupe, further enriching students’ understanding of cultural traditions.

The festivities will culminate in a school-wide gallery tour, where students will showcase their learning through creative presentations on key figures and events in Black history. “It’s my favorite event during our month-long celebration,” Moorman added. “Learning about Black history—ideally year-round—brings us together, sparks meaningful conversations, and honors the diverse achievements that have shaped our world.”

Through support from a program grant from the Regional Arts Commission, the Special Education Foundation is able to provide creative performances for students to experience the power of the arts to educate, inspire, and celebrate history in a meaningful way. Learn more about SEF’s Arts in the Classroom program and see our event calendar of upcoming shows.