Students Across Texas Honor Black History Month
ALVARADO, TEX. – Students at North Dallas Adventist Academy (NDAA), Fort Worth Adventist Jr. Academy (FWAJA) and Stonehill Christian Academy honored Black History Month in meaningful ways. NDAA and FWAJA were visited by Opal Lee, known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth.”
NDAA had been anticipating Lee’s visit since the previous year when a parent suggested inviting Lee to speak. Faculty, students and teachers prepared for her visit by researching her legacy. Then on Feb. 26, as they gathered with excitement to welcome the 98-year-old activist, a large banner adorned the lobby.
Lee read from her book, Juneteenth: A Children’s Story, and recounted the struggles she faced, including a painful memory from age 12 when a mob burned her family’s home. She also spoke about her 1,400-mile walk from Fort Worth to Washington, D.C., which helped secure Juneteenth’s recognition as a federal holiday in 2021.
Lee left the students with a call to action: never give up, always stand for what is right and dream big—even to the extent of aspiring to the presidency. Her words resonated deeply, making history come alive in a way that textbooks never could.
Just weeks earlier, on Feb. 12, FWAJA had also welcomed Lee as their keynote speaker for a special chapel service. As she entered the gym, students stood and clapped.
Lee emphasized that Juneteenth is not just Black history—it is American history. She encouraged students to value education, serve their communities and remain firm in their faith. She also told students about her nonprofit, Unity Unlimited, Inc., as well as her work with Opal’s Farm, which provides food and agricultural education to those in need.
The visit concluded with heartfelt moments as students presented her with handwritten notes and artwork, took photos and gathered for a special breakfast reception. Lee’s closing prayer over the students and faculty served as a blessing and a charge to continue striving for unity and justice.
Meanwhile, at Stonehill Christian Academy, students found their own way to celebrate Black history month. On Feb. 15, the academy led the church service at the Austin Stonehill Seventh-day Adventist Church, incorporating music, poetry and drama to highlight the contributions of African Americans. Kindergartners through eighth graders led worship through praise songs and African American spirituals, and the preschoolers and pre-kindergartners performed a dramatic recitation of The Color of My Skin.
A thought-provoking skit, What If Black People Did Not Exist?, brought attention to the many everyday items invented by Black individuals—including traffic lights, elevator doors and refrigerator insulation. The service ended with the powerful reminder that Black History is everyone’s history.
Students involved in the service expressed how much they enjoyed sharing their learning and inspiring others to know Jesus. The program was not just an educational experience but a way to showcase students’ growing leadership skills and encourage families to consider Stonehill Christian Academy for their children’s education.
Across all three schools, the message was clear: history is not just about the past—it is a foundation for the future. Opal Lee’s unwavering determination, the artistic expressions of Stonehill’s students and the commitment of educators to bring these stories to life all serve as reminders that each generation holds the power to shape the world for the better.
As Lee so wisely said, “If people can be taught to hate, they can be taught to love.” May these lessons of courage, perseverance and unity continue to inspire students for years to come.
By Jordan Murray, Lindy Gonzales and Joline Whichelow
