St. Rita High School Celebrates Black History Month
Over the course of the month of February, the St. Rita student body celebrated Black History Month with many activities honoring African American culture. These included students researching and presenting on famous Black authors in literature, attending an All-School Mass led by our Black Student Union, as well as our Black Student Union deepening their faith and knowledge by attending an African American Heritage Prayer Service.
Mrs. Boldt’s African American Literature Class
This month, Mrs. Boldt’s African American Literature course participated in a research project celebrating Black authors. By combining text, images, and design elements, students were able to creatively express their research about the life and works of 25 inspiring authors.
The St. Rita English Department proudly offers African American Literature — as well as other diverse literary courses such as Irish American Literature and Hispanic American Literature— as an English elective for upperclassmen.
“This course encourages a positive dialogue regarding the diverse cultural experiences that shape the American identity,” Mrs. Boldt shared. “We explore the literary conventions, themes, and techniques employed by African American authors to guide students as they deepen their appreciation of African American contributions to literature and society.”
Similarly, St. Rita's Social Science Department offers a semester course in African American History that explores the story of African Americans at the center of American history and incorporates the study of African states in the making of the Atlantic World.
Black Student Union Leading All-School Mass
Next, our Campus Ministry Team and Black Student Union (BSU) teamed up as the BSU sponsored an All-School Mass celebrating our African American community. Our Black Student Union helped with the readings and organized the music.
Lastly, our Black Student Union attended the 47th Annual African American Heritage Prayer Service at the Holy Name Cathedral. The prayer service brings together students, educators and clergy from Catholic elementary and high schools to honor the rich history of Black Catholics in the Archdiocese of Chicago.
Our Black Student Union Leadership Team includes:
President: David DeLacy ‘25
Vice President: Josh Ragsdale ‘25
Secretary: Justin Buckner ‘25
Social Media Manager: Langston Smith ‘26
Black Student Union Attending African American Heritage Prayer Service
“The Mass at Holy Name Cathedral is always a highlight for our students, an event I look forward to each year,” Athletic Director and Black Student Union Moderator AJ Avery ’12 shared. “It provides them with an opportunity to learn about and celebrate Black Catholics, while also enjoying the chance to sing, dance, and connect with other BSU groups from different schools. Afterward, we gather for lunch to reflect on what they've learned from the service. I also get to learn more about them outside of school activities.”
