Memphis-Shelby County Schools is celebrating Black History Month with a series of special events and activities throughout the month of February. We’re also encouraging our schools and families to share creative and inspirational messages, photos, and videos about the importance and impact of African American history on social media using #BHM901. 

Equity and Access BHM Fine Arts Contest 
Feb. 1-23

 Theme: "I Belong and I Will Change the World By..."

Students in grades 3-12 of all cultural backgrounds are encouraged to submit creative, innovative, and reflective works based on the theme, “I Belong and I Will Change the World By…” 

Contest submission criteria:

• Students may submit their completed works of art in one or all of the available arts categories: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography, Visual Arts.
• Students participate in the appropriate division for their grade: (Grades 3-5), (Grades 6-8), (Grades 9-12), Special Artist (All grades welcome). Students who identify as having a disability and may receive services under IDEA or ADA: Section 504 may enter in the Special Artist Division or grade division most closely aligned to their functional abilities.*
• The contest begins February 1 and ends February 23. Winners will be announced on February 28th.
• Submit via email or mail
  • Email: [email protected]
  • Mail: Equity & Access - Attn: M. Lowe 160 S. Hollywood Memphis, TN 38112

Family Trivia Night  
Feb. 1, 6 p.m. 
FB LIVE @SCSFACE

 Join us for a fun and interactive way to engage as a family, working together to answer questions in celebration of Black History Month as we highlight famous African American inventors, history, and people from the past and present. Topics include history, sports, music, and more. Winners will receive MSCS swag bags. Participate via Facebook Live @FACESCS. 

Tuesday Coming From Where I’m From  
Feb. 1, 8, 15, & 22 

Join us on Facebook @SCSRAM901 as we take a candid look at our schools, neighborhoods, the Black church, and the history of our public schools in Memphis. This series will feature MCS/SCS alumni with interviews and real-life accounts of growing up Black in Memphis.

Wednesdays & Thursdays Support Black-Owned Restaurants 
Feb. 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, & 23-24

MSCS families and staff will have the opportunity to patronize local black-owned restaurants in the 901 community for break, lunch, and/or dinner. Each week we will identify “Featured Restaurants” with their specialty dishes, discounts, and more! Visit us on Facebook @FACESCS and please support any local Black-Owned Restaurant using the hashtag #BHM901

Fridays HBCU Salute Feb. 4, 11, 18, & 25

Historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) were established to serve the educational needs of black Americans. Prior to the time of their establishment, and for many years afterward, blacks were generally denied admission to traditionally white institutions. As a result, HBCUs became the principle means for providing postsecondary education to black Americans.

We will salute the contributions of HBCUs. Stay tuned to Facebook @SCSRAM901 as we salute the contributions of HBCUs each Friday for Black History Our History.

My Style. My Way. Contest 
Feb. 7-18

It is said that you can tell a lot about a person from their fashion style. Calling all Students to Showcase your flair for fashion for each theme listed below: 

February 7-11: HBCU Attire 

February 14-18: Traditional African Dress 

February 25: Winners announced

To enter, tag the Department of Student Affairs on Instagram @scs_studentaffairs. Prizes will be awarded to those (1st, 2nd, 3rd) whose pictures get the most “likes" in each category.

Music Mondays
Feb. 7, 14, 21, & 28

The Department of Recruitment, Alumni, and Multicultural Engagement will conduct interviews and host a "Tiny Stage" concert series with local artists. Tune in to Facebook @SCSRAM901 88.5FM as we celebrate the contributions of Black artists to the various genres of music. You will hear music and interviews from notable artists in their fields.

History of Stepping 
Feb. 10, 6 p.m.

Join us to learn more about the history of African American Greek organizations including the history of stepping. The video will be narrated by local legend Stan Bell and released on the Shelby County Schools-Student Affairs YouTube page.

Families Cooking with Couture Cares featuring Chef Ragan
Feb. 16, 6:30 p.m.

Let's get cooking with Chef Ragan! MSCS FACE in partnership with Couture Cares will be preparing a delicious meal. ONLY the first 50 students that register will have the opportunity to join a virtual cooking session. Participating students will receive ingredients, an apron, and the recipe to cook their side dish. Students will pick up their Chef boxes from the FACE office (160 S. Hollywood). 

Register HERE.

Let's Talk About Social Issues-Round Table Discussion

Feb. 24, 4:45 p.m. on 88.5FM 

The Round Table with Memphis 13 is an SEL-focused event hosted by the Department of Student Affairs (D.O.S.A.) centered on equity and social justice. The Round Table will be a student-led discussion with a student moderator that will lead the Memphis 13 through a conversation about current African American concerns, systemic racism, social justice, and student activism. This forum will provide an opportunity for students to learn, understand, and share events that impact them as African American youth. Join the Department of Student Affairs, Student Congress Members, and The Memphis 13 through a student-led conversation about current African American concerns, systemic racism, social justice, and student activism. The discussion will be live on the District radio station, WQOX 88.5FM.

Family Literacy Night

Feb. 28, 6 p.m.

This event will feature Everybody Eats by African American author Jasmine Crowe. This book focuses on food insecurity, homeless, and hunger. Families are invited to join us online for this book reading with the author, Jasmine Crowe, who will read portions of the story as well as interact with students. Students will also receive a copy of the book while supplies last. This event will be streamed on Facebook @FACESCS and Microsoft Teams. 

Join here:https://bit.ly/SCSEverybodyEats