Despite only being in first grade, Jovin Reyes delivered a very believable portrayal of poet Langston Hughes. Donning a mustache, tie and hat, Jovin spoke to visitors inside the Green Run Elementary gym recently about the famed writer who was born in 1901 and a leader of the Harlem Renaissance.
“He inspires people,” Jovin said. “That’s why I picked him.”
Students selected historical figures to portray as part of the school’s Black History Living Wax Museum event. They dressed as their favorite heroes and stood on pedestals around the gym, waiting for attendees to stop by and put their foot on a paper button that read, “Press Here.” In character, they each gave a speech about their historical figure’s achievements.
Among the many honorees were poet Maya Angelou, gymnast Simone Biles, chemist Alice Ball, trailblazer Jackie Robinson, civil rights activist the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Supreme Court Justice Thoroughgood Marshall, and many more.
Lemika DeRose was thrilled to see her son, Legend, portray Kobe Bryant.
“I love Green Run Elementary,” she said. “It’s like a family here. My kids are very involved.”
Legend, dressed in a Bryant jersey, said he learned that the basketball star was drafted as a professional at a young age and still holds the record for second-most points in a game.
Fourth grader Justin Brooks II honored Michael Jackson and even sang a few lines from the song “Beat It” as his mother looked on.
“I love this,” Stephanie Brooks said. “It just blesses my heart. He was nervous, but I encouraged him to stay with it. I want him to enjoy this and have it for a memory the rest of his life.”
Fifth grader Nely Lopez-Sanchez portrayed Marie van Brittan Brown, who with her husband invented the first home security system using a closed-circuit television system. Nely’s mom, Jocelyn Sanchez, said she was glad her daughter participated in the living wax museum.
“It helps her get familiar with different cultures,” Sanchez said. “She’s shy, so it good to see her practice speaking in public.”
This is the second year the school has hosted the program, said music specialist Brenna Miller, who led students in renditions of the “Lift Every Voice and Sing” and “Siyahamba.” The event was inspired by the school’s beloved former assistant principal, Patrice Boone, who passed away. Rebecca Pierre-Louis, the school’s guidance counselor, also played a big part in coordinating the living wax museum.
Teachers helped students research each person, then the students decided what props and attire would best help people understand the most important historical facts.
Acting principal Linda Sidone described what she loves about the activity.
“Our students get to shine while celebrating African American culture,” she said.
