NEWBERRY — Newberry Elementary School held its inaugural Black History Living Wax Museum, in which students portrayed accomplished African Americans past and present. The event, which was open to the public, was held Wednesday in the school gymnasium.
“This was really a team effort, from the students conducting their research, to teachers helping them with their research and practicing, to the parents at home,” said Principal Stacy Farr. “We greatly appreciate the support.”
The interactive event featured 63 students from grades one through five who dressed and spoke as figures in African American history, each with their own exhibit. Visitors were given the opportunity to “meet” each character by pressing a button at the exhibit, which prompted the student to briefly deliver their character’s life story. Farr added that each student chose and portrayed a character important to them.
The figures included historical individuals, like Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King Jr. and George Washington Carver, along with more contemporary ones, like Aretha Franklin, Michael Jordan, and Barack and Michelle Obama. The display even included a Newberry County native, Chicago Cubs pitcher Carl Edwards Jr.
Farr said the event involved six weeks of preparation, in which students prepared their research, created their exhibits and rehearsed their biographies with teachers.
Parenting Coordinator Carlton Kinard added his appreciation, especially for parents, many of whom he said “went out of their way” helping students with their costumes and other preparations. Kinard also thanked teachers and staff members for donating the event’s antiques collection.
