February is Black History Month! A month especially dedicated to appreciate the historical black figures and black culture throughout the years and a chance to appreciate the influence that African American culture has had on the world!
Run by Mr. Rodney Coatney, Joliet Central held a Black History Month assembly during eighth period on February 27th, 2026. Many classes attended and filled the auditorium with bustling warmth and chatter as the students helping run the assembly used engagement with the audience to kick start their presentation. Involved students passed out potato chips, a food which was invented by George Crum, and fruit snacks! Along with black and red balloons to toss throughout the audience; these interactive tactics got students’ attention, ready to learn about everyday foods that were invented by African American culture.
“Raise your hand if you like food!” said Mr. Coatney when passing out food, getting ready to educate students through the importance of food; a shared passion amongst people and essentially tapping into their understanding and appreciation, aiming it towards black culture.
The presentation was set up by African American students sitting together at a table on the auditorium’s stage, surrounded by food created by black culture. The students read off a script and had inquiries about how certain foods came to be which would lead to quick informational videos about the black figure who founded the food. At this presentation, students found out how ice cream was created by Augustus Jackson, the backstory behind the founding of potato chips, and many other foods created by black figures who had endured slavery.
Students who attended the assembly left the auditorium at dismissal with newfound information on black culture and a better understanding of the importance of the month.