Montgomery Blair High School Social Studies teacher Kenneth Smith was among three residents recognized by the County Council at its annual Black History Month event held earlier this month.
Smith, an instructor of a Hip-Hop History and Culture course at Blair, was recognized alongside local award-winning artist Levi Robinson and Angela Ingram, a folklore educator and professional dancer who specializes in ballet, jazz, and tap.
Smith’s course, also available at Bethesda-Chevy Chase and Rockville high schools, targets juniors and seniors, aiming to relate music genres to societal issues students face.
The course was created in 2019, according to The MoCo Show.
“Each February, we honor the contributions and achievements of Black Americans that have shaped our community and our nation,” Council President Andrew Friedson said in a press release. “It is also a time to celebrate Black history through music, dance and art, and recognize the cultural impact and legacy of Black Americans in the arts. I’m thrilled that this year’s commemoration will spotlight local artists and educators who are sharing and preserving their culture through art, dance and education.”
“Black History Month is a national celebration recognizing the contributions of generations of Black Americans in the United States,” Councilmember Will Jawando said. “This year’s theme uplifts the critical role the arts have played in our lives, culture, and social movements. It is not only a look back but a call forward to ensure music, dance, storytelling, performance, and visual arts from Black artists continue to thrive in our community.”
“I am proud to represent an incredibly diverse community that reflects, celebrates, and appreciates the artistic contributions of our Black diaspora throughout history,” Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles said. “Places like the BlackRock Center for the Arts, Strathmore Center for the Arts, Sandy Spring Slave Museum and the African Art Gallery, Inc., and more serve as crucial partners in showcasing the vast artistic talent our Black residents in Montgomery County offer to inspire cultural awareness and creativity to the benefit of all of our residents.”
The County Council has been organizing events to commemorate Black History Month since 2015. The previous year’s tribute was centered on Black Resistance in Montgomery County.
Montgomery County graphic