During Black History Month, Palm Beach County Youth Services Department's Highridge Family Center was transformed into a historical African American exhibition. Night staff and therapists set up display tables in the cafeteria featuring inventors and notable figures emphasizing historical events. Nursing and school staff decorated the clinic hallway and door. Dorm counselors transformed the hallways and dorm rooms to highlight heroes from past and present.
Highridge also featured a Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and sororities showcase: “I Am Who I Am," “Say Their Names" memorials, and “inspirational" and “kings and queens" walls. Each display focused on the history and respective impact on society and highlighted different communities.
Residents toured the building while therapists, counselors, and nursing staff provided educational insight.
Each week, during psycho-education groups, therapists discussed notable figures such as Martin Luther King Jr., and various modern day and childhood heroes. At the end of the each week, residents watched a correlating movie (Hidden Figures, Black Panther, Ruby Bridges, and others).
Therapists conducted a music exhibition, which included teaching residents about the origin and impact of African American music. During the exhibit, residents and counselors participated in music diaspora, a drum circle, poetry, and movies tracing back to Africa and how it is represented today.
Additional activities included eating African American-inspired meals on Wednesdays, participating in a historical treasure hunt that included spoken word, reenactment and short play, and making unity bracelets.
The month concluded with a themed spirit week that consisted of Black Out Monday, African Pride Tuesday, Cultural Diversity/Flag Day Wednesday, Notable Figures Thursday, Red, Black and Green Friday.
“The most rewarding part for me was the excitement, willingness and eagerness of my co-workers to share knowledge and learn," said Highridge Family Center therapist Sherron King, MS. “So many of them continue to contribute so much to this effort, it's just amazing and heartfelt."
Residents received participation awards for demonstrating the following Sanctuary commitments: Emotional Intelligence, Social Learning, and Democracy. Residents were also given souvenir bags comprised of Black History themed notepads, workbook, pencils, and bookmarks.
A special thank you to the Black History Planning Committee members who organized the month long celebration; Sherron King, Andrea White, Sheraine Wong, Brenda Weathersbee, Meilyn Rodriguez, Deon Rogers, Brian Thornton, Manuel Signo, Simone Thomas , Cindy Roberts, Keisha Doran, Lauren Stroker, and Antrina Burris.