Celebrating Black History Month: A Story of Joy, Resilience, Love, and Family

During Black History Month, the Lovett community focused on uplifting unheard voices, celebrating unsung heroes, and finding joy and resilience in difficult times. The national theme this year is “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” recognizing 100 years since the first organized observance of Black history in the United States in 1926—which also coincides with Lovett’s centennial year.

Kicking off our 2026 Black History Month celebration, the Unity and Heritage Art Show featured the beautiful, inspirational, and meaningful art of Jamaal Barber. Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the annual exhibition of Black visual art began in 2001 with the Hines Family. The Hines family includes Jeff, former Vice-Chair of the Lovett Board of Trustees; Sivan; Renuka ’04; and Mathew ’09. The family passed the torch to friends Dameon and Kim Fisher. The vision for this show has consistently been to open hearts and minds, create a platform for new conversations about Black historical contributions, and educate about important moments in world culture through the visual arts. The national theme of this year’s Black History Month, "A Century of Black History Commemorations," calls us to recognize the full picture of Black history—not simply one of struggle, but also one of joy and resilience. In the 2026 Unity and Heritage exhibit, acclaimed artist Jamaal Barber used his art to tell a multifaceted story focused on family and love. Here at Lovett, our core values of intellect, purpose, belonging, faith, and love compel us to recognize the dignity of every person and foster a welcoming community for all, and the Unity and Heritage exhibit is an important celebration of the values we hold most dear.

As in previous years, Lovett students in the Lower and Middle school decorated their classroom doors in honor of important Black historical figures. This year, the theme focused on “unsung heroes of Black history”—historical figures who have made important but lesser-known contributions to U.S. history. Noted figures included Mae Jemison, Bessie Coleman, Katherine Johnson, Zora Neale Hurston, and other important heroes who have contributed to science, arts, athletics, and civil rights. 

Throughout the month, SAGE Dining highlighted renowned Black chefs from the U.S. and Canada who have made a powerful impact in the culinary world. Students, faculty, and staff enjoyed dishes such as roasted pork loin with apple-pepper glaze, inspired by chef Patrick Clark; creole green beans with ham and potato, inspired by chef Leah Chase; sweet corn griddle cakes, inspired by chef Kardea Brown; and sautéed chicken with hominy casserole, inspired by chef Edna Lewis. 

As a special treat, Lovett’s Black Alumni Council and the Black Affinity Group hosted dozens of Lovett students and alumni for a networking luncheon focused on “Life After Lovett.” It was a powerful afternoon of mentorship, with alumni sharing insights on their career journeys and students exploring what’s possible after graduation.

The upper school Student Diversity Leadership Council also hosted a movie viewing of Hidden Figures in honor of both Black History Month and Women’s History Month.

On Tuesday, Feb. 24, the Lovett community enjoyed a celebration of Black History Month. Under the direction of the Director of the Lovett Conservatory of Music Justin Varnes, The Jazz Legacy Project celebrated the beautiful legacy of jazz music from the 1920s to the 1930s, known as The Harlem Renaissance. The Jazz Legacy Project featured vocalist Maria Howell as Billie Holiday. Maria Howell is a vocalist and actress who appeared in the original production of The Color Purple, Hidden Figures, The Blind Side, and many other films. Together with the student Ellington Jazz Band, Justin Varnes led an ensemble of Lovett staff and students in an engaging jazz performance. 

Later that evening, the Lovett Community Connections parent group hosted a reception in the Art Gallery for the entire community to experience the Unity and Heritage art exhibit, view the incredible door decorations designed by Lower and Middle School students, hear the Jazz Legacy Project performance, and sample hors d'oeuvres inspired by African diaspora cuisine.

Through these various experiences and events, the Lovett community recognized the strength, joy, excellence, and resilience of Black contributions to United States history and culture. Grounded in our core values, Lovett seeks to uplift all members of the community and educate about the power of inclusion, belonging, and dignity.