A People’s Journey, A Nation’s History
Celebrating Black History Month
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Black History Month, the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson, is an annual celebration of achievements by Black Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history.
The story of Black History Month begins in September of 1915 when Harvard-trained historian Carter G. Woodson and prominent minister Jessee E. Moorland founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, an organization dedicated to researching and promoting achievements by African Americans.
The group originally sponsored National Negro History Week in February 1926. The week’s dates were selected because it coincided with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. By the late 1960s, thanks in part to the civil rights movement and an of increase black awareness in society, Negro History Week evolved into Black History Month. President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”
Within today's context, this time of the year has an even greater meaning for many in this country, as the momentous social dynamics and political events elevate the awareness of racial discourses. But at its core, Black History Month is more than just time to appreciate, remember, and recognize achievements and struggles of Black Americans - it recognizes the vibrancy of a people and all they have contributed to society through activism, scientific research, pioneering inventions, and additions to arts and culture.
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I hope you will help us celebrate Black History Month through social media by sharing our daily posts of prominent black figures. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @hfaafoundation.
Over the coming months, the Harding Fine Arts Academy Foundation will explore new ways to recruit and provide access communities of color in our Board of Directors and volunteer committees. The Foundation is committed to promoting equality and inclusion in our classrooms, hallways and community.
Sincerely,
Shannon Mckenrick
Director of Development
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New Year, New HFAA Foundation! |
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A phrase you often hear every New Year’s Day. With the change of the calendar comes purchasing a new desk planner, setting new goals, and shedding old habits. Harding Fine Arts Academy Foundation is no exception; at the end of 2020, we set out to change our image and increase our visibility. Through a small committee and with help
from the HFAA community, we are excited to unveil our new logo!
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Not only has the Foundation changed its visual identity, but we have also developed a new website: www.hfaafoundation.org
Here you will learn about the history and mission of the Foundation, read news and announcements, get information on events, like our Annual Leadership in Arts & Education Awards, and get involved through the various giving programs we offer.
Finally, with the help of volunteers, we are creating a robust marketing and promotion strategy to reach new people, engage alumni and parents, and grow enrollment and recruitment efforts.
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Foundation Awards Grants to Teachers for Distance Learning |
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Harding Fine Arts Academy Foundation awarded $4,020 to 15 different teachers to purchase additional classroom supplies and equipment. These grants will be used to enhance distance learning and provide teachers with the necessary resources to creatively engage their students virtually.
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Dr. Schuerch
Chemistry & AP Biology
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Mrs. Rothrock
French I-IV & Spanish III
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Mr. Zambrano
Dance & Spanish I-II
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The Teacher Resource Fund supported by the generous donations of individuals, corporations and charitable foundations. If you would like to donate to this program, follow the link below. 100% of donations will go to helping the teachers and students at Harding.
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Teacher Feature: The Little Musical That Could |
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This semester Mrs. Etter with 24 dedicated students decided to create the Original Musical Writing Club. They have been hard at work writing and designing their own original production - event from the comforts of their home. Read more about their inspiring story and the progress they have made so far.
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What makes Harding Fine
Arts Academy Unique?
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Students with an interest in the arts do not have to audition for entrance into our program. We take an interest in the arts and turn the interest into skill.
Creative students find their niche at HFAA. Here the arts are celebrated and the artist is seen as the norm. Students often find a new interest and challenge in academics through our arts-integrated approach that was not available to them in other educational venues.
Our creative scheduling affords our students the opportunity to build their arts and academic awareness and provides ample opportunity for practice and performance. Our small supportive atmosphere helps each student achieve success academically and artistically.
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HFAA Foundation is always looking for new volunteers. We have volunteer opportunities in event planning, fundraising, marketing, recruitment, and general office administration. If you are interested, please complete the contact form and the Foundation will be in touch with you shortly. |
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OKC Beautiful is offering a $2,500 service scholarship to high school seniors who have displayed leadership skills in the area of service. Applications are due February 21, 2021. Details can be found on their website.
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Calling all HHS and HFAA Alumni! |
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As we near our building’s 100th anniversary in 2024, we want to increase communication with alumni around the state, nation and world by establishing a Class Notes section in this monthly digital newsletter. Below are examples of items we will feature:
- Marriages
- Family Births
- Family Deaths
- Career Advancements
- Job Retirements
- Awards/Honors Received
The Foundation is still accepting HHS Alumni memorabilia to go in our updated library.
or call (405) 702-6939 to make drop-off arrangements.
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