Leaders Creating Leaders: A 100-Year Journey Through Black History

This year marked 100 years since Dr. Carter G. Woodson established Negro History Week in 1926  a week that would later grow into what we now celebrate as Black History Month. Dr. Woodson believed that knowing our history gives us power, purpose, and direction. His vision was not simply about remembering the past, but about shaping the future.

 

In honor of that legacy, Gerstell students brought history to life through an immersive, student-led experience titled “Leaders Creating Leaders: A Journey Through Time.”

 

Rather than hosting a traditional assembly, our school community stepped into a “time portal” that carried us across generations of innovation and leadership. Middle and Upper School students took on the roles of influential figures such as Dr. Carter G. Woodson, Benjamin Banneker, Dr. Fern Hunt, Granville T. Woods, Katherine Johnson, Dr. Ben Carson, and Dr. Mae Jemison. Through dedicated rehearsal, research, and reflection, students prepared to embody not only each leader’s accomplishments, but also the obstacles they faced and the perseverance that defined their journeys.

 

These speaking roles required more than memorization. Students studied primary sources, practiced public speaking, refined tone and presence, and worked to fully understand the historical context behind each figure’s work. They weren’t simply presenting facts, they were telling stories of resilience, courage, and leadership.

 

At the same time, Lower School students played an equally vital role. Across seven interactive STEM “labs” from city planning and circuit design to rocket engineering and spacecraft construction, younger students led hands-on activities inspired by each historical figure. They guided peers through challenges, demonstrated curiosity, and modeled collaboration. Older students spoke the stories; younger students brought the innovation to life. Together, they demonstrated leadership at every level.

Throughout the assembly, a symbolic torch of knowledge was passed from one historical figure to the next, representing 100 years of learning, progress, and opportunity. The torch did not remain with any one leader. It moved forward just as leadership does.

 

The program concluded with a powerful reflection: What will the next 100 years look like and how will you impact the world? Students created “Future Leader Portraits” and built a “Next 100 Years Chain,” each link representing a commitment to lead with purpose.

 

Dr. Woodson began this celebration a century ago because he understood something essential: when students see the contributions of those who came before them, they begin to recognize their own potential. At Gerstell, we believe leadership is not reserved for a few it is cultivated in all.

As our students demonstrated through their preparation, collaboration, and courage, leadership is learned, practiced, and passed forward.

 

Because at Gerstell, leaders create more leaders.