Forest Park Middle School Celebrates Black History Month with Theater Performance

Students bring stories of influential Black figures to life through reader's theater

Mar. 17, 2026 at 2:24pm

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Students at Forest Park Middle School concluded February's Black History Month with a theater performance honoring influential leaders and changemakers in Black history. Through four short plays, students portrayed the stories of figures like Madam C.J. Walker, Lonnie Johnson, and Henry "Box" Brown, bringing their powerful histories to life for an audience of classmates, staff, and families.

Why it matters

The performance allowed students to not just study history, but to actively engage with and embody the legacies of important Black leaders, inspiring them to continue making positive impacts in their own communities. It also provided an opportunity for the school and district to celebrate Black history and the excellence of their public schools.

The details

The reader's theater-style performance took place on February 27th and featured four short plays. The first play told the story of Lonnie Johnson, inventor of the Super Soaker water gun. This was followed by a play about Madam C.J. Walker, recognized as the first female self-made millionaire in the U.S. The third play highlighted the story of Henry "Box" Brown, who escaped slavery by shipping himself in a wooden crate. The final performance focused on Rory Hoskins, the current mayor of Forest Park, who was the first Black mayor in the city's history.

  • The performance took place on February 27, 2026.
  • It concluded Forest Park Middle School's Black History Month celebrations in February.

The players

Terriyaka Watson

Principal of Forest Park Middle School.

Rachelle Ernst

Director of engagement for District 91.

Rory Hoskins

Current mayor of Forest Park, who was the first Black mayor in the city's history.

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What they’re saying

“As we celebrate 100 years of Black history, our reader's theatre gave our scholars the opportunity to not just study history, but to make their voices and work part of a historic moment, honoring the past while inspiring the future.”

— Terriyaka Watson, Principal of Forest Park Middle School

“It was great to have Mayor Hoskins there and to hear him speak to the students about how honored he felt to be recognized. He also encouraged them to continue to be involved in their community and to make a positive impact.”

— Rachelle Ernst, Director of engagement for D91

What’s next

The school district plans to continue celebrating Black history and highlighting the achievements of its students through similar theater performances and other events in the future.

The takeaway

This performance allowed students to deeply engage with and honor the legacies of influential Black leaders, inspiring them to follow in their footsteps and make positive impacts in their own communities. It showcased the power of public schools to celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion.