February is Black History Month

Black History Month is an annual observance in February, celebrating the past and present achievements of African Americans. Before the establishment of Black History Month, Black history had been largely left out of the history books.  In February 1926, Dr. Carter G. Woodson, founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, proposed the establishment of “Negro History Week”, this week encouraged Americans to learn about a rich history they could not read about in mainstream books. Dr. Woodson, known as the “Father of Black History”, chose the second week of February because it commemorates the birthdays of two men who greatly affected the African American community: Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and Frederick Douglass (February 14). Negro History Week became Black History Week in the early 1970’s. 

“We the People” Competition 2009

On Saturday, January 31, 2009, Albany Law School hosted the annual “We the People” regional competition. We the People is a classroom instructional program aimed at enhancing students’ understanding of the institutions of American constitutional democracy. The primary goal of this program is to promote civic competence and responsibility among the nation’s elementary and secondary students. Each year high school We the People classes are invited to participate in the We the People State Competition. The competition is a simulated congressional hearing in which students “testify” before a panel of judges. Students demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of constitutional principles and have opportunities to evaluate, take, and defend positions on relevant historical and contemporary issues.

Teams: Hamilton, Locke, and Jefferson competed in the regional competition, representing: New Visions Law & Government class, Shenendehowa High School East, and Clarkstown High School South. Albany Law School students  (who also judged competition along with other volunteers) were on hand during lunch to provide insight into their academic experiences, as well as to answer any student questions. At the award ceremony, the New Visions Law & Government class won the competition. The winners and the second place team from Shenendehowa High School East will both go on to compete in the statewide competition. See the “We the People” program of events Click here.

 

final preparations before the competition

students “testifying” before judges

Award Ceremony

high school and law students enjoy lunch

Mary Miller presents award to Director of Diversity, Pershia Wilkins

students after award ceremony