Harrison Elementary Hosts Annual Black History Month Living Wax Museum
Chattanooga , Tenn. (WDEF)Harrison Elementary School recently hosted its highly anticipated annual Black History Month Living Wax Museum, where students took on the roles of legendary Black figures, from civil rights leaders to sports icons, bringing their stories to life. The event gave students a chance to embody historical figures they admire, while educating their peers about the impactful contributions of these icons.
Each third-grade student was assigned a historical figure to research and portray. They worked diligently to gather information about their chosen person’s life and accomplishments. After completing their research, the students crafted speeches as if they were those figures, sharing key moments from their lives with fellow students.
Kyle Powers, Assistant Principal at Harrison Elementary, explained the process. “We encourage students to pick someone they either want to be or someone they want to learn more about. Once they have their person, they do all of the research. They find out all the facts about their figure, create a speech in that person’s voice, and today, they dress up and give that speech to everyone in the school. It’s a great way for students to share knowledge,” Powers said. He emphasized the power of students teaching each other, adding, “It’s not just about teachers sharing knowledge, but kids teaching other kids—that’s really powerful.”
One of the third-grade students, Madison, took on the role of Olympic gymnast Simone Biles. Madison shared what she learned through the experience, saying, “I practiced reading my speech in the little room this morning. It was hard to finish, but I know Simone Biles is a very important person.”
Staff at Harrison Elementary expressed how much they enjoy teaching students about the importance of learning the history of African Americans. They believe it’s crucial for students to understand and appreciate the contributions of Black figures who have shaped history in meaningful ways. By giving students the opportunity to step into the shoes of these influential individuals, the school is helping to foster a deeper connection to the past and a stronger appreciation for the future.
As students presented their speeches, the hallways of Harrison Elementary were filled with voices telling the stories of iconic Black figures, creating a vibrant, educational atmosphere. From civil rights activists to athletes, the Living Wax Museum was not just an event—it was a powerful reminder of the importance of Black history in shaping our world today.
Through events like this, Harrison Elementary is not only teaching students about the past but also inspiring them to continue making an impact in their communities, just as the figures they portrayed have done.
