Chandler district students: 100 years of Black History Month

By Jason W. Brooks
Mail | X: @JasonWBrooks2

The 1851 Sojourner Truth speech “Ain’t I a Woman” and Maya Angelou’s “Still I Rise” were among many Black authors’ works read aloud by Chandler Unified high school students Feb. 11.

That’s when the district celebrated 100 years of Black History Month in the U.S. with a student-led presentation.

Guided by Dr. Adama Sallu, the district’s director of educational access and strategic partnerships, Chandler Unified high school students ended each reading by saying their name and “... and I am Black excellence.”

The students joined in the chorus after a solo vocalist had started “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
The Chandler High School step team also performed.

Board President Patti Serrano thanked the students and Dr. Sallu for arranging the presentation.

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INDEPENDENT NEWSMEDIA

Jason W. Brooks
News Editor | Chandler Independent

Jason W. Brooks joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in July 2021 as an associate editor. After a year covering Buckeye, he has covered Chandler since the fall of 2022, in addition to assisting the Daily Independent throughout his time at INI.

Education: University of New Mexico, bachelor of arts in journalism and mass communication, print emphasis, English minor.

Random Fact: He and his siblings witnessed a Space Shuttle launch and landing in the same year in person, on opposite coasts.

Hobbies: Karaoke, bicycling and American Sign Language.

Community: He supports animal shelters.